President Donald Trump publicly rebuked ‘The View’ co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin for failing to wear a MAGA hat on the show as she had pledged if he secured the release of Israeli hostages. During a White House press conference, Trump labeled Griffin a ‘joke’ and accused her of dishonesty, highlighting ongoing tensions between the former president and media figures.
The controversy erupted when Trump was asked by a reporter about Griffin’s promise, made in December 2024, to wear the signature red hat for an entire episode if he successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom. With the recent deal that brought home the remaining 20 Israeli hostages, attention turned to whether Griffin would fulfill her commitment. On Monday and Tuesday’s episodes of ‘The View,’ she appeared without the hat, prompting criticism from Trump and his allies.
Trump’s response came during a question from Real America’s Voice correspondent Brian Glenn, who inquired if Griffin had worn the hat. After confirming she had not, Trump launched into a critique, stating, ‘She used to work here,’ referring to her role as White House director of strategic communications in 2020. He claimed she wrote him ‘beautiful’ letters praising his presidency but changed her views after joining ‘The View’ for financial gain.
Griffin, who resigned from the Trump administration in December 2020 and became critical of him following the January 6 Capitol attack, joined ‘The View’ as a permanent co-host in 2022. Her pledge was made during a discussion on the show, where she said, ‘If he gets the Israeli hostages out, I promise I will wear a MAGA hat for one day on the show and say, ‘Thank you for doing it.” Co-hosts expressed dismay at the time, with one audible saying, ‘Please don’t do that.’
Despite not wearing the hat, Griffin praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts on the show, acknowledging the role of Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in brokering the deal. She stated, ‘Whether you like Trump or not, I think that he, Steve Witkoff, and I think Jared Kushner do deserve credit for this deal,’ and expressed hope that the peace would hold. This praise, however, did not mitigate the backlash over the unfulfilled promise.
Trump’s comments underscore his ongoing conflicts with media outlets, particularly ‘The View,’ which he has frequently criticized. Earlier this year, the White House lashed out at co-host Joy Behar, and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr suggested investigating the show for compliance with equal time rules. Trump’s dismissal of Griffin as ‘not very outstanding’ and a ‘fraud’ reflects his pattern of attacking former aides who publicly oppose him.
The incident highlights the blurred lines between politics and entertainment, with personal pledges becoming focal points in national discourse. Donald Trump Jr. also reminded Griffin of her promise on social media, adding to the pressure. As of now, Griffin has not addressed the hat pledge directly on air, leaving open whether she will eventually comply or face further criticism.
This event exemplifies how Trump’s presidency continues to influence media narratives and personal loyalties. The resolution of the hostage crisis, a significant diplomatic achievement, has been overshadowed by this minor yet symbolic controversy, illustrating the polarizing nature of Trump’s political brand.