One of Donald Trump’s most outspoken celebrity critics just made an argument few saw coming.
During Thursday’s episode of The View, Whoopi Goldberg surprised her fellow hosts by urging the newly crowned NBA champion New York Knicks to accept President Donald Trump’s invitation to the White House — despite years of tensions between Trump and the league.
The debate erupted after reports that the Knicks, fresh off their first NBA title in more than 50 years, are expected to receive the traditional White House invitation extended to championship teams.
Most of Goldberg’s co-hosts argued the team should decline.
“There’s a reason why every single previous NBA champion crowned during the Trump administration refused to go,” co-host Sunny Hostin said, arguing that Trump has a history of politicizing White House appearances.
But Goldberg broke ranks.
“I want them to go,” she declared. “I want all those Black men to stand in our house and remind all of those people… that when you try to destroy one part of history, you’re destroying all of our histories.”
The audience erupted in applause as Goldberg continued.
“I want them to go. If only so the kids know that nobody — nobody — can keep you down if you are rising up.”
The comments were notable coming from Goldberg, who has repeatedly criticized Trump throughout both of his presidencies and frequently clashes with conservatives on political issues.
Her argument wasn’t an endorsement of Trump. Instead, Goldberg framed a White House visit as an opportunity for the players themselves to send a message by simply showing up as champions.
The debate comes as the Knicks weigh whether to participate in one of sports’ longest-standing traditions. Several championship teams across professional sports have skipped White House visits in recent years amid political controversies, and NBA teams in particular have had a rocky relationship with Trump dating back to his first term.
Hostin noted that Knicks players have already been asked about the possibility, with guard Jose Alvarado reportedly saying he would follow whatever decision the team ultimately makes.
Sarah Haines echoed Goldberg’s point, arguing that the visual contrast itself could be powerful.
“Why don’t you show up and show them what real men look like?” Haines said.
Whether the Knicks ultimately accept the invitation remains to be seen. But Goldberg’s unexpected defense of a Trump White House visit may end up being one of the more surprising political takes to emerge from The View this year.
