Savannah Chrisley Clashes With The View Panel Over Donald Trump Racism Claims

Savannah Chrisley’s final days as a guest co-host on The View turned tense when a heated debate over President Donald Trump erupted live on air.

During the Thursday, Feb. 19 episode of The View, Chrisley, 28, defended Donald Trump amid criticism from the panel about his recent actions tied to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.

The conversation began when moderator Whoopi Goldberg introduced a clip of Trump speaking about his relationship with the Black community. In the video, Trump referenced civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and praised rapper Nicki Minaj, comments that drew mixed reactions from the table.

Chrisley acknowledged that Trump’s tone can be controversial but pushed back against accusations that he is racist.

“What’s so hard for me to witness is people stating that the president is a racist, because I’ve seen him firsthand,” she said, sharing that he had helped “one of my best friends,” whom she described as a Black woman who had worked with him for 18 years.

Co-host Sunny Hostin immediately challenged that defense.

“So he has a Black friend. He’s a racist,” Hostin responded, arguing that Trump’s broader actions and rhetoric tell a different story.

The debate intensified as Goldberg cited Trump’s executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” which led to the temporary removal of slavery-related exhibits from Independence National Historical Park. A federal judge later ruled that the removal of 34 panels and video displays — including exhibits such as “Life Under Slavery” — was unlawful and caused “irreparable harm” by erasing historical truth.

Goldberg also referenced a controversial video shared on Trump’s Truth Social account that depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as primates. The post sparked swift backlash from lawmakers and civil rights advocates, who said it echoed racist tropes historically used to dehumanize Black people.

The White House later deleted the post, initially saying a staffer had shared it in error. However, Trump later told reporters he did not believe posting the content was a mistake and said he would not apologize.

Hostin called the incident “a racist act,” telling Chrisley, “Let’s call a thing a thing. Donald Trump is a racist. There’s no question in my mind.”

Chrisley countered by highlighting what she sees as positive actions from Trump’s administration, including permanent funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Hostin replied that funding initiatives for HBCUs began before Trump took office.

While the exchange grew pointed at times, Chrisley ultimately said she agreed that the White House mishandled the controversial post.

“I wholeheartedly agree that the White House failed when it came to the posting of that video,” she said, adding that leadership has a responsibility to protect minority communities.

Chrisley’s appearance on the show comes as she fills in for Alyssa Farah Griffin, who is currently on maternity leave. Her week-long stint has sparked strong reactions from viewers, with Thursday’s debate marking one of the most intense moments yet.

As the panel wrapped the discussion, it was clear the divide over Trump’s record on race — and what it means — remains as sharp as ever.