Whoopi Goldberg argued Thursday that members of the New York Knicks should visit the White House following their championship victory, even if they strongly disagree with the current administration.
The subject produced differing reactions among the co-hosts of ABC’s “The View.”
Joy Behar said she was conflicted, suggesting that athletes could honor the institution of the presidency without necessarily supporting the person occupying the Oval Office.
Sunny Hostin disagreed with the idea that the two could be easily separated. She noted that the previous five NBA champions crowned during President Donald Trump’s time in office declined to attend a White House celebration.
Hostin argued that Trump tends to inject politics into ceremonial events, making it difficult for players to treat a visit as a neutral recognition of their athletic achievement.
Goldberg nevertheless encouraged the Knicks to attend, framing their presence as an opportunity to deliver a message rather than an endorsement of the president.
She said she wanted the team’s black players to stand inside the White House and demonstrate that their history remains an inseparable part of the broader American story. Goldberg also connected their championship run to the experience of recovering from setbacks and refusing to remain defeated.
In her view, the players could use the occasion to show young people what perseverance and achievement look like.
Goldberg said the team’s appearance would remind children that no person or institution can permanently suppress someone who remains determined to rise.
