Television personality Whoopi Goldberg found herself at the center of a political firestorm this week after suggesting former President Donald Trump should have been removed from office following what she characterized as an unpresidential performance at the United Nations General Assembly.
During Wednesday’s broadcast of ABC’s “The View,” Goldberg delivered pointed criticism of Trump’s UN remarks, describing them as “not presidential” and “not helpful” while asserting that world leaders have lost respect for the former commander-in-chief.
The 68-year-old co-host escalated her criticism by invoking the 25th Amendment, the constitutional provision that enables the removal of a president deemed unfit for office. “Well, they questioned Biden’s competence. If Biden had acted like this, I would have said, ‘Yeah, take him,'” Goldberg stated, drawing a comparison between Trump’s conduct and challenges previously faced by President Biden.
The remarks immediately ignited controversy across social media platforms, with critics questioning both Goldberg’s constitutional understanding and her consistency in applying such standards.
“She was curiously silent during the dementia years of 2021–2025,” one detractor posted on X, formerly Twitter, referencing persistent conservative criticisms of Biden’s mental acuity during his presidency.
Another critic dismissed Goldberg’s commentary entirely, writing, “Why do we care what she has to say? Clearly, she doesn’t understand what the 25th Amendment is. It’s not about disagreeing with the other party.”
The backlash reflects the increasingly polarized nature of political discourse, where entertainment figures’ political opinions often trigger intense partisan reactions. Goldberg, who has never shied away from expressing liberal viewpoints on “The View,” has previously drawn conservative criticism for her outspoken positions on various political issues.
The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, provides mechanisms for presidential succession and includes provisions for removing a president who is “unable to discharge the powers and duties” of office. However, constitutional scholars note that the amendment requires either the president’s voluntary resignation or action by the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet – making it a complex political and legal process rather than a simple expression of disagreement with policy positions.
This latest controversy underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding Trump’s political legacy and the role of media personalities in political discourse, with both sides of the political divide continuing to debate the appropriate boundaries between entertainment and political commentary.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Whoopi Goldberg sparked significant controversy by calling for Donald Trump’s removal via the 25th Amendment after criticizing his UN speech as “unpresidential.” Critics accused her of misunderstanding the constitutional provision and applying inconsistent standards, highlighting the ongoing polarization around political commentary by entertainment figures.
The backlash underscores how celebrity political opinions continue to ignite partisan battles, while raising questions about the appropriate role of media personalities in political discourse.
