‘The View’ Co-Hosts Point Fingers At EP Brian Teta When Jill Biden Asks Why They Insist On Calling Her “First Lady” 

The View had a very special guest this morning in first lady Dr. Jill Biden, who stopped by the show to support her husband, President Joe Biden, as he prepares to face off against Donald Trump at the polls this November.

While the first lady walked out to a warm welcome, hugging each of the co-hosts before settling down at the Hot Topics table, her appearance hit a bit of a snag just seconds later.

“What a nice welcome, thank you!” she exclaimed as Sunny Hostin told her, “They don’t do it for everyone.”

Whoopi Goldberg then welcomed the first lady, who replied that it was “nice to be back” after last visiting The View in 2020.

With the niceties behind them, Goldberg got down to business, saying, “Sunny is starting us off with questions.”

As the first lady turned to Hostin, saying, “OK, Sunny,” the co-host began, “Madam First Lady—” but was interrupted when her guest put a hand to her and said, “Jill.”

(Editor’s Note: The View is on hiatus today; contrary to what you may have heard, The View was not canceled today. This article was originally published on May 29, 2024 when this episode first aired. The View will return with new episodes next week.)

Hostin, with a brief pause and a smile, politely refused to call the first lady by her first name, telling her, “I can’t.”

But it wasn’t just a matter of principle for Hostin. After her refusal — which earned a laugh from the first lady — Goldberg and Joy Behar interrupted to say they had been specifically instructed not to call her Jill during the appearance.

“We owe you the respect,” Hostin chimed in, but the first lady incredulously asked, “Who said that?”

Without missing a beat, Behar said, “The EP,” referring to executive producer Brian Teta, as Goldberg swiftly identified him in the audience and said pointedly, “Brian.”

The first lady let out a long “ooooh,” as the camera panned to Teta, who nodded, owning his directive. Miffed as some of the co-hosts may have been, Alyssa Farah Griffin at least stood up for her boss.

“It’s technically diplomatic protocol!” she reminded them.

The View airs weekdays at 11/10c on ABC.