Whoopi Goldberg has voiced her concerns regarding President Donald Trump‘s recent threat to invoke the Insurrection Act amid ongoing protests in Minneapolis. The protests erupted following the shooting of two individuals by an officer from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which included the tragic death of American citizen Renee Nicole Good last week. Demonstrators gathered to oppose the administration’s stringent immigration policies, calling for justice and reform.
In an episode of The View aired on June 1, 2020, Goldberg expressed her support for those participating in peaceful demonstrations. She emphasized the importance of exercising the right to protest, stating, “I’m really glad that people have been doing it the right way because had people gone in a different direction, this is a whole different story.” Her remarks highlighted a commitment to non-violence, as she reminded viewers that “people protesting is not an insurrection.”
Goldberg criticized Trump’s characterization of the protests, suggesting that his comments misrepresented the intentions of demonstrators. “When he’s saying that he’s going to put that out, he’s basically saying you’re doing something that you’re not doing,” she added. Her comments underscored a growing concern over the potential militarization of the response to civil unrest.
Behar Highlights Administration’s Double Standards
Co-host Joy Behar joined Goldberg in questioning the apparent double standards in how the Trump administration has responded to protests. Referring to the events of January 6, 2021, when a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, Behar noted, “On Jan. 6, when there was really an insurrection, which he encouraged and even may have promoted, the administration said the people attacking police were tourists.” She pointed out the contradictions in how peaceful protesters are treated based on their political affiliations, stating, “If you are a peaceful protester from the left, you are creating an insurrection. If you’re doing it from the right, you’re a tourist.”
The discussions on The View reflect a broader national conversation about the rights of citizens to protest and the implications of government responses to dissent. As tensions continue in Minneapolis and across the country, the role of public figures like Goldberg and Behar in shaping the narrative surrounding these protests remains significant.
These events underscore the ongoing challenges faced by communities grappling with issues of violence, immigration policy, and civil liberties in the United States. The protests in Minneapolis have resonated with many, highlighting the need for dialogue and reform in the face of ongoing unrest.
