Watch: Whoopi Goldberg Rushes to Explain Why She Was in the Epstein Files Seeking to Use His Private Jet
For years, ABC’s daytime panel show The View has eagerly dissected every development surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files — almost always through a predictably partisan lens.
Recently, that pattern continued.
As KNDO-TV reported, co-host Sunny Hostin took aim at President Donald J. Trump’s administration, demanding consequences for Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick after reports surfaced that Lutnick had visited Epstein’s island.
“This is the Commerce secretary,” Hostin said about Howard Lutnick, who had admitted to visiting Epstein’s island. “This is the person that is the chief advisor on the economy to the president, job growth. We’re talking about trade. The fact that he could lie so audaciously means to me that he is not fit for his position.
“He must resign. We should be collectively calling for his resignation. He is unfit, as much of the cabinet is unfit, but he is especially unfit.
“Resignation is the right thing, and he if he doesn’t resign, this guy Lutnick, I think the president is really good at firing people. Remember, ‘You’re fired! You’re fired!’ He needs to fire him.”
The comments reflected a familiar refrain from the program’s progressive wing: swift condemnation, sweeping generalizations about the cabinet, and little presumption of innocence. And as People magazine has noted, President Trump’s White House has not hesitated to push back forcefully against the show’s attacks.
But this week, the tone shifted — dramatically.
On Tuesday’s broadcast, one of the program’s most recognizable voices, Whoopi Goldberg, addressed the uncomfortable reality that her own name appeared in the Epstein files.
“My name is in the files, yes,” Goldberg admitted. “And what does it say? It says Whoopi needs a plan to get to Monaco [for Julian Lennon’s charity function].”
The reference appeared to involve a declined request for transportation — and nothing more.
“So in other words, anybody can be on this list,” co-host Joy Behar said.
“Well, this is my point,” Goldberg responded. “Because I tell you when I’m telling you, people are trying to turn me into — I wasn’t his girlfriend. I wasn’t his friend.”
She added, pointedly, “You used to have to have facts before you said stuff.”
That statement was striking — particularly given the show’s long history of insinuations directed at political figures, including President Trump, despite no evidence of wrongdoing on his part in connection with Epstein.
Almost immediately after Goldberg emphasized the need for facts, Behar interjected to reference the number of times Trump’s name has surfaced in the files — again, with no findings of misconduct by the president. Goldberg declined to elaborate on Trump, instead focusing on clearing her own reputation.
The segment concluded with the hosts noting that the sheer volume of well-known names connected to Epstein’s orbit makes it possible for innocent individuals to be swept into controversy.
Notably absent, however, was any acknowledgment that the same principle of presumed innocence should apply universally — including to a sitting president they have repeatedly criticized.
When the spotlight turned inward, the rhetoric softened. When it shines on political opponents, the tone often hardens. For viewers paying attention, the contrast was difficult to miss.