Whoopi Goldberg has sparks outrage after she called on Americans to "suck it up" and "pay a little more taxes" to support local services, despite acknowledging economic struggles many face.
The millionaire co-host of The View, whose net worth is estimated at $60 million, made these remarks on Thursday's show.
"If you're in an area where the school district is losing, then you got to pay a little more taxes and you gotta help the schools out," Goldberg said.
She added that Americans need to take responsibility for their communities rather than depending on the Trump administration, stating, "This is where we come in. We cannot depend on [President Donald Trump's administration]. This is us."
ABC The View: Whoopi Goldberg has come under fire for her remarks
ABC
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Goldberg previously publicly criticized President Trump's tariff policies, declaring they don't represent the wishes of most Americans.
The 69-year-old voiced her opposition during Wednesday's episode of the ABC talk show, just hours before Trump announced a 90-day pause on some US levies.
"This is not what the American people want," Goldberg stated firmly as her co-hosts emphatically agreed.
The discussion came amid escalating trade tensions with China and the European Union, which had both announced retaliatory tariffs against U.S. imports.
WHAT CHANGED TRUMP’S MIND ON TARIFFS? With the president’s sudden tariff turnaround getting wildly mixed reviews from different sides of the aisle, 'The View' co-hosts question if this is the art of the deal or art of the steal. pic.twitter.com/iGa6jU2dWA
— The View (@TheView) April 10, 2025
In a direct address to viewers outside the United States, Goldberg made her position clear. "All you countries who watch us, this is not our wish," she claimed. "We don't like how this is being done."
The actress promised continued vocal opposition to the administration's trade policies.
"That's why you will hear us kvetching about this as long as we are able because no one we are talking to understands what's going on," Goldberg explained.
She further claimed that when officials speak of "America," they're referring to "that very narrow band of America that they think they represent, that I think they don't realise they're starting to lose."
Donald Trump introduced the tariffs just a few weeks ago
REUTERSGoldberg's criticism of Trump's policy and encouragement of US members of the public to do more hasn't sat well with several tax-payers Stateside.
After clips of Goldberg's claims went viral, one X user hit back: "Whoopi Goldberg says Americans need to be paying more taxes. Isn’t it interesting how generous Hollywood liberals are with other people’s money? Whoopi is free to donate to US Government if she likes. She can just write a check or give electronically."
"What arrogance!! Whoopi needs to retire," a second raged before a third hit out: "Dear Whoopi, please send that message to your fellow millionaires & billionaires because they're the ones not paying their fair share!"
"Typical Hollywood elitist. Whoopi wants YOUR wallet while she lives in luxury. Trump cut taxes for WORKING Americans. Let’s keep it that way," another raged before a fifth suggested: "No WHOOPI needs to give more in taxes." (sic)
Trump's 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs sent US stocks soaring on Wednesday, although they gave up significant gains Thursday.
The pause applies to nations that did not retaliate against Trump's initial tariffs, but notably excludes China, where he increased tariffs to 125 percent.
The EU responded by putting its first countermeasures on hold for 90 days. Despite the pause, Trump's 10 percent baseline tariffs on most imports remain in effect.
China is reportedly considering additional retaliatory measures, including a potential ban on all US films.
ABC The View: Whoopi Goldberg made the plea on Thursday's show
ABC
This isn't the first time Goldberg has been critical of Trump.
After the president called her comedy style "filthy, dirty" and "disgusting" during an October 2024 campaign rally, Goldberg responded dramatically on The View.
She walked out to Christina Aguilera's "Dirrty" and then addressed Trump directly.
"I was filthy and stand on that fact. I have always been filthy, and you knew that when you hired me," said Goldberg, referencing her previous performances at Trump-owned venues.
"I headlined, babe, at your casino, which I might've continued to play had you not run it into the ground. How dumb are you? You hired me four times."
Goldberg has consistently positioned herself as part of the "resistance" against Trump's policies. "Remember, the resistance is real. You're not alone," she told viewers during a recent sign-off on The View.
Her co-host Joy Behar has also questioned Trump's tariff strategy, asking "What is his exact plan?" and suggesting the president deliberately caused market turbulence to benefit wealthy investors.
