Tensions continue to mount behind the scenes at ABC’s flagship daytime talk show “The View,” as political pressure, corporate restructuring, and internal conflict collide, painting a turbulent picture of one of America’s most-watched programs. At the heart of the unrest is a growing directive for the co-hosts to soften their rhetoric on former President Donald Trump, a move that has sent ripples through the show’s staff and loyal viewer base.

Sources close to the show reveal that executive producer Brian Teta has privately urged co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro to adopt a more cautious tone when discussing Trump. This request reportedly came ahead of the former president’s upcoming inauguration as the 47th president, signaling a notable shift in ABC’s editorial direction. The motivation behind this push appears to be multifaceted, with political optics, ratings stability, and corporate transitions all playing a role.

While “The View” continues to attract strong ratings—averaging 2.6 million viewers over the past month—the atmosphere backstage has grown increasingly tense. A wave of layoffs has hit the network, impacting at least nine staff members on the show, including longtime producers Jamie Hammer and Audrey Jones. Insiders describe the move as “devastating,” with fears of further cuts eroding morale. “There’s a sense of unease,” one source shared. “Everyone feels like they’re next.”

The layoffs are part of a larger cost-cutting strategy implemented by ABC’s parent company, Disney, which has been aggressively reducing headcount since late 2024. The broader goal is to streamline operations and reinvest in digital platforms, but for staffers at “The View,” the changes have felt sudden and personal.

Meanwhile, physical tensions have compounded the emotional ones. Following the show’s relocation to ABC’s Hudson Square headquarters in Manhattan, the cast has found themselves sharing studio space with “The Tamron Hall Show.” The result? A logistical nightmare. Scheduling conflicts have erupted over taping times, and friction has emerged over shared dressing rooms—particularly when both shows are hosting high-profile guests.

One insider pointed out the frustration, stating, “It’s humiliating for ‘The View’ guests to be stuck in shared spaces.” According to sources, Hall’s team has been more assertive in staking out resources. “Tamron Hall thinks she’s Oprah,” one insider quipped. “But let’s be clear—‘The View’ brings in more viewers and revenue.”

Despite these conflicts, not all feedback has been negative. Some production staff have praised both teams for handling the transition with professionalism and patience, even if the setup remains far from ideal.

The problems extend beyond the studio as well. ABC employees have reportedly been grappling with the new location’s logistical headaches. The Hudson Square offices—near the notoriously congested Holland Tunnel—have presented long, stressful commutes, minimal workspace, and underwhelming office facilities. Staff members have cited a lack of private executive suites and even basic amenities like sufficient desks and supplies. However, ABC has disputed these claims, describing the new space as “beautiful” and insisting that adequate resources are available.

Internally, the biggest shift may be the tone around political commentary. “The View” has built a reputation on fiery political debates, particularly when it comes to Trump. But in recent weeks, the show’s language has noticeably softened. Sara Haines even acknowledged on-air that she felt disconnected from much of the American public due to her and the panel’s outspoken anti-Trump positions.

Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former Trump administration official who later supported Kamala Harris, has emerged as a somewhat centrist voice. In a recent exchange with Whoopi Goldberg, she stressed the importance of understanding and engaging with conservative voters. “Democrats have to be willing to go to uncomfortable spaces,” she said, adding that some of Trump’s policies had merit despite her personal objections to his conduct.

This shift in tone appears to be driven not only by political strategy but also by job insecurity. As ABC recalibrates in the face of economic pressures and shifting viewership dynamics, its once reliably liberal voice is under reevaluation. For “The View,” a program known for its unfiltered opinions and heated debates, this transformation marks a turning point.

The show is now caught between two worlds—one where it serves as a bastion of progressive commentary, and another where caution, compromise, and corporate oversight increasingly dictate its direction. Whether this balancing act will prove successful remains to be seen. But what’s clear is that the real drama on “The View” isn’t just unfolding on-screen—it’s simmering just behind the cameras.