The co-hosts of The View recently weighed in on two White House-related stories: a recent UFC event held on the grounds and the New York Knicks’ decision to accept an invitation to visit after winning the NBA championship. The discussion quickly turned into a conversation about politics, symbolism, and representation.
The segment began with a clip of Knicks owner James Dolan speaking during the team’s championship parade through New York City’s Canyon of Heroes.
“We just did receive an invitation from the White House, which we accepted,” Dolan said. “We still have to figure out the details, etc. But yes, of course, I mean, look, I invited the president to come down for the game. He is a friend. I’ve known him for 30 years and I’m very proud to bring the team to the White House.”
One of the co-hosts Sara Haines argued that Dolan’s acceptance of the invitation placed the players in a difficult position.
“I think this puts the players in a really precarious position merely because Jim Dolan is admittedly a good friend of Donald Trump’s,” Haines said. “And to now put that on the players — your boss, the owner of the team you play for, is extending this offer, accepting this offer. I just think it’s not fair to take any of the flowers and the beauty of this moment and its unity and try to then place it on the players’ backs.”
Despite those concerns, co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin maintained that the decision should ultimately be left to the athletes.
“I think they should go if they want to, if they’re comfortable going,” Griffin said. “Because the White House is bigger than any one president. They’ve earned the right to go as champions, but I also think they have the right to refuse to.”
The conversation then shifted to the UFC event recently held at the White House.
“Recently, they were at the White House trashing Michelle Obama,” co-host Joy Behar remarked.
Haines asked for clarification: “You mean the UFC?”
“Yeah,” Joy replied.
That exchange led to a comparison between the conduct displayed at the UFC event and what the Knicks might represent if they visit Washington.
“We just had a UFC figh ter who said a degrading slur about a former first lady,” co-host Sara Haines said. “And why don’t you show up and show them what real men look like? This team has exemplified that over and over again.”
The hosts continued by drawing a direct contrast between the two groups.
“That’s such a strong juxtaposition,” Griffin said. “A man like Jaylen Brunson being at the White House compared to this UFC event.”
Whoopi Goldberg then stated, “I want them to go.”
Goldberg explained that she viewed a visit from the Knicks as an opportunity to make a statement.
“I want all those Black men to stand in our house and remind all of those people, as we try to remind the vice president, that when you try to destroy one part of history, you’re destroying all of our histories,” she said.
She continued, praising the team for both its athletic success and resilience.
“And they, as champions, not only as amazing basketball players, but as people who were down and came back up, this is what this looks like,” Goldberg said.
Expanding on that point, she emphasized that the symbolism extended beyond race.
“And Latino men, because it’s important because of the way our history, and frankly not just our history but women’s history and white men’s history,” Goldberg said. “I know it sounds crazy but all of our history is getting tattered and torn to shreds.”
Goldberg concluded by reiterating her support for the team’s White House visit and the message she believes it could send to younger generations.
“I want them to go. I want them to go,” she said. “If only so the kids know that nobody can keep you down if you are rising.”
