Arnold Schwarzenegger’s appearance on The View took a surprising turn after he made comments that triggered sharp reactions from Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin. What did Schwarzenegger say to provoke such an intense on-air confrontation, and how did the hosts respond? Find out all the explosive details of this dramatic moment below! 👇👇

‘The View’ Shuts Down Arnold Schwarzenegger for Smearing Immigrants During Immigration Debate

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former governor of California and iconic action star, found himself at the center of a heated debate on The View when his comments about immigration ignited a backlash from the hosts. In a conversation about the ongoing opposition to Donald Trump’s mass deportations and the role of ICE, Schwarzenegger made a controversial statement that immediately sparked tension among the panel.

Schwarzenegger, who has long been known for his own immigrant story—having moved to the U.S. from Austria—was asked how he would address California’s loud opposition to Trump’s immigration policies. He began his response by acknowledging the positive contributions of immigrants but quickly veered into a more contentious area.

A Tense Moment on The View

When discussing the current state of immigration, Schwarzenegger said, “I just think the world of the great history we have with immigrants,” but followed that up by stating, “But the thing is also, at the same time, is that we got to do things legal, and those people that are doing illegal things in America, they are not smart.”

These words immediately activated a strong reaction from the The View hosts. A collective gasp could be heard from the audience and the panel as the remarks seemed to echo the rhetoric of former President Donald Trump, who often equated immigrants with crime, despite little evidence to support such broad generalizations.

Whoopi Goldberg’s Quick Response

Whoopi Goldberg, who has long advocated for immigrants’ rights and social justice issues, quickly interjected, expressing her dismay over Schwarzenegger’s comments. “Arnold, don’t forget 90 percent of the people who come here are trying to do the right thing,” she said softly but firmly. Her comment underscored the overwhelming reality that most immigrants come to the U.S. seeking better opportunities, not engaging in criminal behavior.

Sunny Hostin, another host of The View, also pushed back, pointing out that immigrants are, in fact, less likely to commit crimes in the U.S. than American-born citizens. “They are less likely to commit crimes in this country than actually American-born citizens,” she added, calling attention to the false narrative that immigrants are inherently linked to crime.

Schwarzenegger’s Defense of His Position

In response, Schwarzenegger did not back down. Instead, he doubled down on his stance, suggesting that immigrants coming to the U.S. should “behave like a guest” and avoid any illegal activity. “When you come to America, you’re guests, and you have to behave like a guest,” he remarked. He further emphasized that engaging in criminal activity was not acceptable, asserting that “that doesn’t really work in this country.”

The former governor’s comments struck a nerve with the The View hosts, particularly in light of the policies and rhetoric of the Trump administration, which often painted immigrants in a negative light. Trump’s immigration policies, which were originally presented as targeting violent criminals, quickly expanded to include individuals with no criminal record, many of whom had legal status in the country. His administration’s approach to immigration, which included mass deportations and family separations, has been widely criticized for being cruel and unjust.

A Call for Bipartisanship, But No Condemnation of ICE’s Actions

As the conversation intensified, The View hosts pressed Schwarzenegger on his stance toward ICE’s controversial actions under the Trump administration, including the mass arrests and deportations that led to widespread protests. However, Schwarzenegger seemed reluctant to directly condemn the actions of ICE, focusing instead on a call for bipartisanship to resolve the issue.

“It is very important that we work together,” Schwarzenegger said. “Democrats and Republicans have to come together and solve this issue.” He attributed the country’s immigration woes to the inability of both political parties to reach a consensus, even suggesting that this was the reason the issue has become so contentious and unresolved.

While Schwarzenegger’s call for bipartisanship may have been well-intended, it was met with criticism from The View hosts, who felt that his failure to fully address the issue of ICE’s actions minimized the very real concerns of immigrants and activists who have been protesting for years against what they see as inhumane treatment of migrants.

Immigrants as Scapegoats: The Trump Administration’s Legacy

The fallout from Schwarzenegger’s comments highlights the ongoing debate surrounding immigration in the United States. Under the Trump administration, immigrants were often demonized and used as a scapegoat for broader political and social issues. The rhetoric of calling immigrants “criminals” or “animals,” as Trump once did, fueled division and increased the targeting of immigrant communities across the country.

Schwarzenegger’s comments about illegal immigration played into these long-held narratives, which were repeatedly debunked by studies showing that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens. The hosts of The View—and many of their viewers—rejected this simplistic and damaging view, emphasizing the importance of treating immigrants with dignity and respect, while also advocating for meaningful immigration reform that prioritizes humanity and fairness over political rhetoric.

Conclusion: A Disappointing Moment for Schwarzenegger

In the end, the conversation on The View revealed just how divisive and complicated the issue of immigration continues to be in the U.S. While Schwarzenegger’s attempt to offer a balanced perspective was likely meant to encourage unity, his failure to fully engage with the criticisms of Trump-era immigration policies left much to be desired. The The View hosts’ passionate responses underscored the urgency of confronting the real issues at the heart of the immigration debate, especially when it comes to dismantling harmful stereotypes and advocating for fair treatment of immigrants.

As the nation continues to grapple with these issues, it’s clear that conversations about immigration need to be more nuanced, with a focus on understanding, compassion, and, most importantly, the human rights of all those seeking a better life in the U.S.