Devoted viewers of the long-running ABC daytime talk show The View have launched a vocal boycott, declaring they will not watch the program while reality television star Savannah Chrisley occupies a co-host seat this week. The announcement of Chrisley's four-day stint, beginning on Monday, February 17, has ignited significant backlash across social media platforms.
Controversial Booking Sparks Immediate Outrage
The 27-year-old daughter of Todd and Julie Chrisley—who were famously pardoned by former President Donald Trump last year for tax evasion and bank fraud convictions—joined regular panelists Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sara Haines, and Sunny Hostin. Her appearance was met with immediate criticism from the show's fanbase, many of whom vowed to abstain from watching until her departure.
Defending Trump and Criticizing the Clintons
During her debut episode, Chrisley defended the Trump administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files release, asserting that the Department of Justice had been "transparent." She also commented on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health policies and suggested the Clintons should agree to a private deposition rather than a public hearing.
"The Clintons are, in fact, trying to twist things and get sound bites from a public hearing," Chrisley stated. "So having a deposition allows each individual to have different members of their teams, and they're asking the right questions, the hard questions to then gather it for."
Fan Reactions: A Wave of Disapproval
Even before Chrisley's first appearance, fans expressed their displeasure on The View's official Instagram page. Comments ranged from disbelief to outright refusal to tune in.
- "Whose brilliant idea was this? I will take a hard pass on watching this week!" one fan questioned.
- "Good to know what days to avoid watching, sorry ladies," another remarked.
- "Why? I'll be skipping watching this week," a third echoed.
- "Enjoy your week. I'm out. I can't even imagine how this will play out. Why not have her mom and dad on too?" a fourth blasted.
Further criticism highlighted concerns about the show's legacy. "I appreciate that the producers want to respect Barbara's [Walters] vision with diverse views but... This tarnishes her professionalism," one comment read. Another stated, "These will be the only episodes I miss since the first episode over 20 years ago. This was a mistake." A seventh simply said, "I won't be watching. Some people do not need a platform."
Background: A Family Pardon and Vocal Support
Chrisley's parents, Todd and Julie, were convicted in July 2022 for conspiring to defraud banks of over $30 million in fraudulent loans and for tax evasion, all while flaunting a lavish lifestyle. Their pardon by President Trump last year was met with criticism on The View itself, with co-hosts calling it dishonest and unethical.
Savannah Chrisley has been an outspoken supporter of Trump, even campaigning for him during the 2024 presidential race. In December, she acknowledged the challenge of co-hosting The View, noting the panelists' past criticisms of her family.
"I'm totally going outside of my comfort zone by doing The View," she said. "I mean, this is a show that… these personalities have bashed my family, have bashed me. These are the same women who made a comment to the extent of, 'Wonder what she had to do for those pardons.'"
The boycott underscores the deep divisions and strong viewer loyalty surrounding The View, as fans grapple with the inclusion of a controversial figure linked to high-profile political pardons.
