On a recent episode of "The View," the co-hosts sparked controversy by drawing parallels between former President Donald Trump and Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. This comparison, while a common political tactic, took a darker turn when Joy Behar recounted Mussolini's execution and public display, a comment met with audience applause.
The discussion began with Whoopi Goldberg expressing concerns about what she perceived as dictatorial tendencies in both Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Goldberg stated her alarm at how close she believed the country had come to a dictatorship. Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former Trump aide, added to the conversation by suggesting that Trump's team had plans to expand presidential powers in a potential second term, a move that Sarah Haines warned could erode checks and balances.
Griffin, identifying herself as a long-time conservative, criticized Trump's approach as contrary to small-government principles and a step towards authoritarianism. This sentiment was echoed by Goldberg, who labeled Trump's actions as dictatorial. Sunny Hostin then offered a specific example, citing Trump's purported desire to consolidate independent agencies under his control, similar to Mussolini's actions. It's worth noting that the EPA, Hostin's cited example, is already part of the executive branch.
Behar then brought the conversation to a controversial close by referencing Mussolini's fate, stating how he and his mistress were hung upside down in a Milan square after their execution. This remark was met with cheers from the audience. Hostin had previously compared Trump and Mussolini, claiming they shared similar goals of consolidating power.
