“The View” co-host Joy Behar sparked controversy by asserting that President Donald Trump is not a legitimate president and expressing support for Democratic lawmakers who plan to skip the upcoming State of the Union address.
In remarks on the daytime talk show, Behar questioned the legitimacy of Trump’s presidency, echoing a narrative pushed by some critics in recent years. She also praised Democrats who have publicly announced they will not attend the president’s speech to Congress, framing their decisions as principled political statements.
Behar’s comments have drawn attention due to her high profile and the divisive nature of the topic. The co-host characterized Trump’s tenure as controversial and suggested that opposition to his leadership remains strong among many Democrats.
Several Democratic members of Congress have indicated they may forgo the State of the Union address, citing policy disagreements or political protest. Behar’s remarks aligned with that sentiment and contributed to the ongoing debate about the political significance of lawmakers’ attendance.
Supporters of Behar’s position say her statements reflect widespread frustration within Democratic circles over Trump’s policies. Critics argue that questioning the legitimacy of a duly elected president undermines democratic norms and deepens partisan divisions.
The exchange underscores how battles over presidential approval and legislative cooperation continue to play out in both media and political arenas, particularly as national attention turns to key events like the State of the Union.