“The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg voiced support for the New York Knicks’ planned White House visit with President Trump following the team’s NBA championship, saying she wants the players to stand proudly in the White House and represent perseverance and success.
During Thursday’s episode of The View, Goldberg defended the decision by Knicks owner James Dolan to accept the invitation, making the Knicks the first NBA champions to visit Trump’s White House.
“I want them to go. I want all those black men to stand in our house and remind all of those people, as we tried to remind the vice president, that when you try to destroy one part of history, you’re destroying all of our histories,” Goldberg said.
Dolan, a longtime friend of President Trump, announced Wednesday that the team had accepted the invitation. Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 8.
It remains unclear which individual players will participate in the visit. When asked about his plans, Knicks center Trey Jemison III said, “I don’t know. We’ll see.”
Goldberg said she hopes the entire team attends.
“They, as champions – not only as amazing basketball players, but as people who were down and came back up – this is what this looks like,” she said.
“So, I want them to go. I want them to go. If only so the kids know that nobody – nobody – can keep you down if you are rising up.”
Her comments drew loud applause and cheers from the studio audience.
Several of her co-hosts expressed reservations about the visit. Co-host Sara Haines argued that the invitation places players in “a really precarious position,” while Alyssa Farah Griffin said it puts players “in such an uncomfortable position.”
Joy Behar said she was conflicted, noting that while people may respect the White House institution, they do not necessarily have to respect its current occupant.
Meanwhile, Sunny Hostin pointed out that the previous five NBA champions during Trump’s administrations declined White House invitations, arguing there is concern that such events become politicized.
Hostin also said the situation creates pressure for team leaders, including Knicks captain Jalen Brunson, while referencing comments from Knicks guard Jose Alvarado, who said he would follow whatever decision the team makes collectively.
The hosts also referenced the recent UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, with Haines arguing that if the Knicks attend, they could use the opportunity to “show them what real men look like.”
“Exactly!” Griffin responded.
The debate highlighted the differing views surrounding championship teams visiting the White House, with Goldberg framing the appearance as an opportunity to celebrate achievement and resilience regardless of politics.
The post Whoopi Goldberg Backs Knicks’ White House Visit With Trump: ‘I Want All Those Black Men To Stand In Our House’ appeared first on Real News Now.
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