Savannah Chrisley sparks firestorm on The View after AOC claim, breaks silence on backlash
Whoopi Goldberg, Sara Haines, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Savannah Chrisley on ‘The View’. Image: ABC
Reality TV personality Savannah Chrisley is making headlines after a tense on-air exchange during her guest co-host appearance on The View, and she’s now responding directly to critics.
The 28-year-old appeared on the ABC daytime talk show this week, filling in for conservative co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin, who is on maternity leave. But what began as a standard “Hot Topics” discussion quickly escalated into a pointed debate over Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and President Donald Trump.
The exchange sparked social media backlash, and prompted Chrisley to issue a public response addressing the “hate” she says she received.
On-Air Clash Over AOC and Trump
The debate unfolded during a discussion about Ocasio-Cortez’s response to a question about Taiwan at the Munich Security Conference.
Chrisley argued that mispronouncing words is different from “not knowing your position,” contrasting AOC’s moment with Trump’s past public speaking missteps. She emphasised that “recovery is what matters” in political communication.
The panel quickly pushed back.
Moderator Whoopi Goldberg reminded Chrisley that Trump is “the president,” adding that leadership carries a higher level of accountability. Joy Behar and Sara Haines also challenged Chrisley’s framing of the issue.
Tensions rose further when Chrisley claimed that AOC was “the Democrats’ pick for the next election.” The statement was immediately disputed by the panel, with Goldberg responding, “No, no, no!” Legal expert Sunny Hostin added that Ocasio-Cortez has publicly stated she is not running for president in 2028.
The moment quickly went viral, circulating widely across X and Instagram.
Social Media Backlash After Guest Co-host Debut
Chrisley’s appearance triggered strong reactions online. Some viewers criticised her performance, questioning why she was selected as a guest co host. Others described her as “unwatchable” and accused her of lacking political depth.
The backlash reflects the broader ideological divide between Chrisley, who has increasingly aligned herself with conservative political messaging, and the largely liberal-leaning panel of The View.
Still, the controversy has amplified her visibility far beyond daytime television.
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Hours after her debut, Chrisley addressed critics in an Instagram post, framing the moment as one of “purpose.”
“Four women who see the world one way, and one who sees it another … yet we sat together, we talked, we listened,” she wrote.
She emphasised her convictions in “faith, family, and freedom,” while maintaining that respectful disagreement is essential to democracy.
“To those who have sent hate … I hear you. And I still choose love,” Chrisley added, saying she would not apologise for her beliefs but supports a country where “every voice” can be heard.
She also noted that she shared laughs with Joy Behar off-camera despite their opposing viewpoints, signaling a willingness to engage in dialogue beyond political differences.
Political Spotlight Follows Family Controversy
Chrisley’s political profile has grown significantly in recent years.
Her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, were sentenced to prison in 2022 on fraud-related charges. In May 2025, they received presidential pardons from Donald Trump, a move that sparked criticism from some of The View’s co hosts.
Chrisley later addressed past remarks made on the show about her family, saying she was aware of prior criticism but wanted to challenge herself by appearing on the program.
Her guest hosting stint represents a notable step into more overt political discourse, moving beyond her roots on the reality series Chrisley Knows Best.
What’s Next for Savannah Chrisley?
Chrisley will remain at the Hot Topics table through the week. Additional guest co hosts are scheduled during Alyssa Farah Griffin’s maternity leave.
Whether this appearance marks a one-off media moment or the beginning of a deeper political media role remains unclear.
What is certain: her time on The View has positioned her squarely at the center of America’s culture and politics conversation.
FAQ
Why is Savannah Chrisley on The View?
Savannah Chrisley is serving as a guest cohost while Alyssa Farah Griffin is on maternity leave.
What happened between Savannah Chrisley and The View cohosts?
Chrisley debated the panel over comments regarding Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Donald Trump. Her claim that AOC was the Democrats’ pick for the next election was quickly disputed on air.
Did Savannah Chrisley receive backlash?
Yes. Social media users criticized her appearance, with some questioning her political commentary and suitability as a cohost.
How did Savannah Chrisley respond to the backlash?
She addressed the criticism on Instagram, stating she “chooses love” and stands firm in her beliefs about faith, family, and freedom.
Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez running for president in 2028?
No. AOC has publicly stated she is not running for president in 2028.
What is Savannah Chrisley’s political stance?
Chrisley has aligned herself with conservative viewpoints in recent years and has been outspoken about political issues.
Did The View previously criticize Savannah Chrisley’s family?
Yes. The show’s cohosts commented on the presidential pardons granted to her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley.
Will Savannah Chrisley return to The View?
She is currently scheduled to appear throughout the week. Future appearances have not been confirmed.