🚨“From Cable News to Commanding the Pentagon?” — The View Warns of National ‘Disgrace’ After Trump Names Fox Host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, Calling It a ‘Shameful, Dangerous Blunder’ That Could Signal the Collapse of Military Integrity and U.S. Global Credibility 😳🔥

A political firestorm erupted this week after newly re-elected President Donald Trump appointed Fox News host and former Army officer Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. And nowhere was the backlash louder—or more emotional—than on ABC’s The View.

On Wednesday morning, the usually celebratory birthday episode for Whoopi Goldberg took a sharp turn as the co-hosts launched into an explosive critique of the appointment. One by one, the women took turns slamming Trump’s decision, calling it “a shame for the country,” “misogynistic,” and “unforgivable.”

Goldberg, clearly emotional, opened the discussion by stating, “I don’t understand anyone who talks down to anyone in the military, especially women in the military.” Her comment was in reference to a resurfaced interview in which Hegseth implied that mixed-gender military units complicate combat dynamics—remarks that The View cohosts blasted as outdated and offensive.

Sunny Hostin didn’t mince words. “This man is not only deeply unserious—he’s dangerous. Appointing a cable host with no Pentagon or policy experience to one of the most powerful positions in the world? We should not just be worried—we should be disgusted.”

Hegseth, a weekend anchor for Fox & Friends, is known for his unwavering support of Trump and often expresses hardline views on national defense. While he did serve in the military—earning a Bronze Star—critics argue his middle-ranking status and lack of formal government experience fall far short of the qualifications needed to lead the Department of Defense.

Alyssa Farah Griffin, who served in Trump’s first administration, voiced cautious concern. “Pete served honorably, no doubt. But running the Pentagon? That’s 3 million people under your command. It’s the most complex agency in the U.S. government. This is not a weekend panel segment—this is war and peace.”

Sara Haines echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that Hegseth’s appointment feels more like a political stunt than a strategic move. “You can’t just throw an outsider in and expect the bureaucracy to bend. It doesn’t work that way.”

For many, this move signals a broader strategy in Trump’s second term—stacking his cabinet with fiercely loyal media figures over seasoned experts. Critics warn this could erode military readiness and international credibility at a time of increasing global instability.

Outside The View, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle expressed concern, and the trending hashtag #SignalGate emerged after reports of Hegseth allegedly mishandling sensitive communication protocols in a recent meeting.

Fox News, meanwhile, issued a glowing statement supporting Hegseth’s transition to Washington, praising his “insightful analysis” and “impactful voice” for military families.

But for The View co-hosts—and millions watching—this moment isn’t just political.

It’s personal. And it might be pivotal.

“This isn’t about left or right,” Goldberg concluded. “It’s about whether we’re willing to trade competence for loyalty—and what that costs us in the end.”