NEW YORK — Whoopi Goldberg is once again at the center of controversy — and this time, the backlash may be louder than ever.

The View co-host ignited a social media firestorm this week following what critics are calling her “most unhinged rant yet” about former President Donald Trump, just days after he held a controversial rally in Georgia where he claimed “political persecution” and vowed mass pardons if reelected.

On Monday’s live episode, Goldberg veered off-script during a segment on Trump’s legal troubles, delivering an emotionally charged tirade that left even her co-hosts stunned.

“He’s Not a President. He’s a Cult Leader!”

In the now-viral clip, Goldberg slammed the table and said:

“Let’s stop pretending this man gives a damn about the country. He’s not a president — he’s a cult leader in a red tie! And the fact that we’re still entertaining his circus act is embarrassing for democracy.”

The outburst drew gasps from the studio audience and left co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin visibly tense. While Sunny Hostin nodded in agreement, Ana Navarro attempted to steer the conversation back to policy — but Goldberg doubled down.

“He’s a danger. If people can’t see that by now, they’re either brainwashed or complicit. That’s it. Full stop.”

The camera briefly cut to commercial as producers scrambled behind the scenes, but the internet was already ablaze.

The Backlash: “Whoopi Has Lost It”

Conservative commentators pounced within minutes. Fox News anchor Jesse Watters described the segment as “an Emmy-worthy meltdown”, while The Daily Caller called Goldberg “deranged and dishonest.”

A flood of online reactions followed. On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #WhoopiUnhinged trended for six hours, with critics accusing her of “hateful rhetoric,” “Trump derangement syndrome,” and “inciting division.”

“She’s not offering commentary anymore — she’s just ranting,” wrote one user.
“This kind of language is dangerous,” posted another.

Even some moderate viewers questioned whether Goldberg had crossed a line — especially as The View attempts to maintain a balance between political debate and daytime entertainment.

ABC in Damage Control?

According to an insider at ABC, network executives were “not pleased” with the unscripted tirade, particularly as Goldberg reportedly refused producer instructions to move on mid-segment.

“There was a call in Whoopi’s earpiece — they wanted to wrap the segment,” the source says. “She waved it off and kept going.”

While ABC has not issued an official statement, one producer privately confirmed to The American Herald that “there are ongoing discussions” about setting clearer boundaries for political commentary on the show moving forward.

Allies Rally, Critics Demand Accountability

Despite the backlash, Goldberg is not without defenders. Fellow co-host Joy Behar — who was absent from Monday’s show — posted a supportive message online:

“When Whoopi speaks truth, it’s uncomfortable. That’s the point. Proud of my sister.”

Political activist groups, including Women Against Fascism and Hollywood4Democracy, praised Goldberg’s “raw honesty” and “courage to call out authoritarianism in real time.”

Still, some are calling for disciplinary action — or even Goldberg’s removal.

“This show is not a soapbox for extremist views — from any side,” tweeted former The View co-host Meghan McCain. “There’s a difference between passion and poison.”

What Happens Next?

Insiders close to Goldberg say she’s unfazed by the criticism. “She’s not backing down,” says one longtime colleague. “She’s done pretending this is a time for polite conversation. That’s not Whoopi anymore.”

Whether ABC will formally respond, or if The View will address the controversy on air in the coming days, remains unclear. But with a high-stakes election season ahead and tensions at the table already running high, one thing is certain:

Whoopi Goldberg isn’t finished — and neither is the outrage.