Sunny Hostin and her co-hosts on The View expressed their astonishment at the significant turnout for the recent “No Kings” protests, which attracted five million participants nationwide. Hostin acknowledged the crucial message these protests sent regarding concerns over President Donald Trump’s authoritarian tendencies.
During the show’s latest episode, Hostin praised the unity of the protesters, highlighting that they managed to convey their message without disrespecting the military or engaging in counter-protests. “Five million people looked real awake during these protests,” she remarked, emphasizing the important stance taken by the attendees.
As the protests occurred, President Trump hosted a $45 million military parade in Washington, D.C., coinciding with both the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and his 79th birthday.
Hostin warned of a significant backlash against Trump’s military parade, criticizing the expenditure of taxpayer money while also voicing concerns about cuts to veteran services. “I think the backlash… is gonna be pretty swift and pretty severe,” she stated, reflecting on how such spending contrasts sharply with the needs of veterans and their families.
Despite assurances from Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins that veteran benefits wouldn’t be cut, recent announcements indicated plans to scale back VA staffing to 2019 levels, which could lead to the loss of over 80,000 jobs in the organization.
The military parade has frequently been debated on The View, with co-host Ana Navarro asserting that such spectacles should be reserved for dictators, calling attention to the hypocrisy of America’s military display given its standing as a global powerhouse. “Leave it to Kim Jong Un. Leave it for the dictators,” Navarro commented, reinforcing a sentiment shared by many regarding national pride and military representation.
Overall, the widespread activism evident during the protests showcases a growing engagement among citizens who are voicing their concerns and advocating for veterans and responsible use of public funds. The dialogue among The View’s hosts reflects a broader discourse on governmental accountability and the importance of prioritizing the needs of service members.