Donald Trump Hates One Television Show More Than Any Other. After Watching for the Past Week, I See Why.

"Earlier this month, the network accused President Donald Trump's Federal Communications Commission, which has been quietly investigating the show for several months, of violating its First Amendment rights. The stated reason for the agency's inquiry was to look into whether The View was failing to follow federal guidelines requiring equal airtime for opposing political candidates, though that is not an especially plausible interpretation of the actual rule. ABC has asserted that the probe is just a pretense to punish the show for airing viewpoints the Trump administration doesn't like."

"The hosts have largely sidestepped the free-speech showdown at the center of the broadcast-but that doesn't mean they're holding back on the Trump administration. Dipping into the show over the past week or so to see how it's handling this political situation, I was struck by how much smoke the hosts seemed to have for FBI Director Kash Patel, the Supreme Court's voting rights decision, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's reality show, and all manner of other administration characters and initiatives."

"The New York Times describes ABC's filing as "the most aggressive defense from any television network since President Trump kicked off an extended campaign last year to bring media organizations to heel" and notes the about-face it marks for the network, which opted to settle a defamation lawsuit with him for $15 million in December 2024 rather than fight him in court. Now The View appears to be following its network's emboldened new lead."

"Judging by recent episodes, it almost seems as if it's part of the show's format these days that the show must begin with the hosts spotlighting and criticizing something about the administration. (Trump, it's worth noting, used to appear on the sho"

The FCC has been investigating The View for several months, with ABC claiming the inquiry violates First Amendment rights. The stated basis involves whether the show failed to provide equal airtime for opposing political candidates under federal guidelines. ABC asserts the probe is a pretext to punish the program for airing viewpoints the Trump administration dislikes. On camera, the hosts have largely avoided directly engaging the free-speech dispute while focusing heavily on criticism of administration figures and actions. Recent episodes emphasize spotlighting and criticizing administration-related topics, including FBI Director Kash Patel, a Supreme Court voting rights decision, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s reality show. The network’s posture reflects a more aggressive legal stance after previously settling a defamation lawsuit with Trump for $15 million.

Read at Slate Magazine