ABC Warns ‘The View’ Hosts Over Trump Commentary Amid Staff Layoffs and Backstage Turmoil — Behind the Scenes of a Show in Crisis

In a dramatic behind-the-scenes shake-up that has stunned both fans and staff, ABC has reportedly issued a stern internal warning to the co-hosts of “The View”, urging them to tone down their aggressive commentary on President Donald Trump — a move that reflects not only the network’s changing political strategy but also growing internal instability.

The warning, which insiders say came directly from executive producer Brian Teta, was issued in the weeks leading up to Trump’s second inauguration. The message was clear: “Tread carefully.” According to sources close to production, the directive was aimed at preserving the show’s mass appeal amid a shifting media landscape, where polarized political talk may be pushing away a key segment of viewers.

A Ratings Giant Facing Internal Upheaval

Despite maintaining strong ratings—averaging 2.6 million viewers weekly—“The View” is grappling with internal upheaval. In what staff have described as a “morale-crushing” decision, at least nine longtime employees, including veteran producers Jamie Hammer and Audrey Jones, were laid off in recent weeks. The cuts are part of a broader restructuring initiative led by ABC’s parent company, Disney, which has been undergoing an aggressive cost-cutting campaign since late 2024.

“There’s fear in the air,” one insider revealed. “People are walking on eggshells. No one knows who’s next.”

A Political Tightrope Walk

The Trump directive marks a notable shift for a show long known for its unapologetic criticism of the former—and now current—President. Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and others have built reputations for fiercely opposing Trump-era policies. But now, with ABC executives wary of alienating conservative viewers and advertisers, the tone is changing.

Sara Haines recently admitted on air that she sometimes feels disconnected from the show’s broader audience because of its anti-Trump stance. Meanwhile, Alyssa Farah Griffin, who once served in the Trump administration before backing Kamala Harris in 2024, urged the panel to engage with voters across the aisle—sparking visible tension with co-hosts like Whoopi.

Backstage Battles: The Tamron Hall Clash

Beyond political friction, the relocation of “The View” to ABC’s new Hudson Square studio has added another layer of stress. The talk show now shares studio space with “The Tamron Hall Show,” leading to conflicts over dressing rooms, studio time, and guest coordination.

According to sources, hosts from “The View” are frustrated that their celebrity guests must share cramped dressing areas, creating awkward moments and logistical headaches.

One insider quipped, “Tamron acts like she’s Oprah. But let’s be honest—The View is still ABC’s crown jewel.”

Another staffer offered a more diplomatic take, saying both teams have been “doing their best to cooperate under difficult conditions.”

ABC’s Hudson Square: A Modern Headache

ABC’s shiny new headquarters near the Holland Tunnel was meant to symbolize a new era. Instead, staff describe it as a logistical nightmare: traffic jams, cramped workspaces, limited amenities, and a lack of private offices for senior producers.

“The building looks great in photos,” said one employee. “But behind the scenes? It’s chaos.”

ABC, for its part, has defended the move. A network spokesperson described the building as “state-of-the-art” and insisted there are “plenty of desks and resources available.”

The Future of ‘The View’ Hangs in the Balance

With mounting staff frustrations, executive-level warnings, political recalibration, and inter-show turf wars, “The View” is clearly navigating one of its most tumultuous periods in recent history.

For a program built on candid, often combative conversation, the real drama may now be happening behind the scenes.

Whether the show can maintain its edge while navigating internal politics and external pressure remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: The View—once the loudest voice in daytime television—may soon have to decide just how loud it wants to be.