Whoopi Goldberg didn't chill out when former President Donald Trump took shots at her during rallies. After Trump labeled her as 'filthy dirty' and made derogatory remarks about the hosts of The View, Goldberg responded fiercely on the show. This episode, aired on October 10, 2024, marked another chapter in the long-running feud between the comedian and the former president, showcasing her characteristic wit and resilience.
Goldberg, 68, confronted Trump's remarks head-on, recounting the former president's comments with candid humor and irony. "He said I was filthy, and I stand on the fact! I have always been filthy. You knew when you hired me for your casino, right? How dumb are you? You hired me four times!" she exclaimed, flipping the narrative back on Trump with style. This moment perfectly encapsulated her unapologetic approach to both her comedy and life.
The origins of this exchange trace back to Trump's rallies, where he criticized Goldberg's comedy and attacked the hosts of The View. During one such rally in Reading, Pennsylvania, Trump said, "I would never hire her again. Her mouth was so foul!" He even went as far as stating, "Every word out of her mouth was the F-word. Half the place left!" This was just one of several disparaging remarks he made about Goldberg, sparking outrage from her and her co-hosts.
Goldberg's rebuttal was not only witty but also highlighted the inconsistencies in Trump's criticisms. She pointed out, "If I’m as filthy as Trump says, why did he hire me multiple times?" The sarcastic undertone was not lost on the live audience, which responded with enthusiastic applause. Co-host Sunny Hostin chimed in, adding humor to the discussion. "Donald Trump, thank you for personally telling so many lies and providing us with material on a daily basis. You help us do our jobs!" she quipped, weaving together their criticisms of the former president and illustrating how his controversial statements actually fuel their show’s content.
The banter didn't stop there. Sunny elaborated, admitting, "I may not have spent as much time in court as you, but I did receive recognition from the Department of Justice,” subtly nodding to Trump's various legal battles.
Goldberg, with her signature flair, used the moment to not only defend herself but also draw attention to the broader issues at play—especially the ridiculousness of Trump fixated on the hosts during major crises, like the hurricane damage affecting Florida at the time. She remarked, "It’s amusing what bothers him—us, not the hurricanes or real national issues. He’s been triggered by women calling him out, and it shows. How can he focus on us when there are serious problems to tackle?"
Trump's rant about his past interactions with Goldberg also laid bare his tendency to resort to personal attacks when challenged. He reminisced about his time hiring her, bitterly recalling the experience. "Her mouth was so dirty, half the crowd left," he complained, seemingly ignoring all the times she brought laughter and her unique brand of humor to audiences.
Goldberg's moment of triumph reflected not only her comedic prowess but also served as commentary on how celebrity and political figures often twist narratives for their own benefit. She directly addressed Trump's infamous comments from the Access Hollywood tape, where he stated, "You know how dirty I wasn’t? I never grabbed anybody by their genitalia." This juxtaposition emphasized her point: being dirty can mean different things, but true 'filth' can manifest as misogyny and disrespect, reminiscent of Trump's own past.
The not-so-hidden subtext of this lively exchange raises questions about how public figures like Trump respond to criticism—often with vitriol instead of reasoned debate—and how comedians navigate the line between humor and personal attacks. Goldberg's retort wasn’t just about her reputation but also about how she embodies the struggle against those who use derogatory remarks as weapons.
Trump’s comments stemmed not only from personal disdain but also the broader disdain he often shows to media outlets he deems unfriendly. "He ranted about us for two rallies! That tells you everything you need to know about his priorities," Goldberg quipped. By capturing the audience's attention during her clapback, she demonstrated the power of humor as both armor and weapon against disparaging remarks.
Goldberg, over the years, has faced her share of controversies and challenges, making this exchange another notch on her extensive belt of battles. Observers suggest her response aligned with her long-standing commitment to speaking truth to power, utilizing her platform to critique not just Trump but the culture surrounding public discourse.
At the end of the day, this lively exchange provides not only entertainment but also highlights the dynamic interaction between media, politics, and personal character. Goldberg’s response adds another layer—exemplifying how humor can effectively challenge toxic rhetoric. Her final thought resonates: comedy has its place; it can enshrine truths, confront prejudice, and provide relief, all the mighty tools of those who dare wield them.
