Full Breakdown
Joy Behar Declares Trump an Illegitimate President Amid Democratic Boycott of State of the Union
2/25/2026, 4:56:48 AM
Democratic Response to State of the Union Address
During a recent episode of "The View," co-host Joy Behar asserted that President Donald Trump is not a legitimate president, aligning herself with a faction of Democrats who chose to boycott the State of the Union (SOTU) address. Behar's comments sparked a debate among the show's co-hosts regarding the appropriateness of attending the SOTU given Trump's conduct in office.
Behar clarified her stance by stating that while Trump was duly elected, his behavior disqualified him from being considered a legitimate president in her view. She referenced House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' remarks about Trump coming to "our house," emphasizing that sometimes it is necessary to make a statement by not attending. "Sometimes you have to, to make your point, to show that you do not consider that person worthy of your presence," Behar explained.
In contrast, co-hosts Sunny Hostin and Sara Haines argued that Democrats should attend the SOTU to maintain decorum and fulfill their responsibilities. Hostin noted, "Just because this president doesn't have decorum doesn't mean that members of Congress shouldn't do their duty, which is to show up and listen." This disagreement highlighted a divide within the Democratic Party regarding how to respond to Trump's presidency.
Alternative Democratic Event
In lieu of attending the SOTU, several Democrats plan to participate in the "People's State of the Union," a rally organized by MeidasTouch and MoveOn Civic Action, which will take place near the Lincoln Memorial. This event aims to critique Trump's first year back in office and will feature various Democratic representatives, including Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), and Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), among others.
A smaller group of Democrats has opted to skip both the SOTU and the counter event, indicating a range of strategies within the party regarding engagement with the current administration.
Criticism & Opposition
The discussion on "The View" reflects broader tensions within the Democratic Party about how to approach Trump's presidency. Critics of Behar's position argue that attending the SOTU, regardless of personal feelings about the president, is a necessary part of political duty. They contend that showing up can be a form of protest in itself, demonstrating a commitment to democratic processes.
Official Statements & Responses
Joy Behar's comments have drawn attention to the ongoing debate about Trump's legitimacy as president. While she maintains that his actions undermine his presidency, others within the party advocate for a more traditional approach to political engagement, emphasizing the importance of decorum and representation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sometimes you have to, to make your point, to show that you do not consider that person worthy of your presence,” — Joy Behar, Co-host of "The View."
- “Just because this president doesn't have decorum doesn't mean that members of Congress shouldn't do their duty, which is to show up and listen,” — Sunny Hostin, Co-host of "The View."
