Liberal hosts on ABC’s The View erupted Monday over President Donald Trump’s leadership and rising popularity, with co-host Sunny Hostin claiming he is “most definitely going to try to remain in power.” The discussion came after remarks from Trump and his former strategist Steve Bannon sparked a wave of speculation among left-wing media figures.
Co-host Whoopi Goldberg began the segment by calling Trump a “dictator,” referencing a recent interview in which Bannon joked to The Economist that Trump could secure a “third term.” The comment, made in clear hyperbole, was immediately seized upon by the panel as evidence of authoritarian intent.
Goldberg said, “You know who told us he was going to be a dictator on day one? And damn if he isn’t a dictator.” She accused the president of consolidating power and warned viewers of what she described as an “escalating threat to democracy.”
In response, Hostin declared, “The 22nd Amendment is so clear. No president can run twice.” She then suggested Trump might try to defy that constitutional limit, arguing, “I’ve come to the conclusion that he is most definitely going to try to remain in power because he’s hooking up the White House like he doesn’t plan on leaving it.”
Her remarks drew laughter and disbelief from viewers online, many of whom pointed out that the U.S. Constitution explicitly bars any president from serving more than two terms. Supporters of President Trump dismissed the claims as baseless fearmongering designed to distract from his strong polling numbers and expanding political influence.
The latest comments from The View underscore how Trump continues to dominate headlines—and provoke emotional reactions from his critics—as he maintains a commanding lead heading into the 2026 political season.
