Fox News host Julie Banderas gets personal with Whoopi Goldberg after she slams Trump's baby bonus idea

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: On the April 23 episode of 'The View,' Whoopi Goldberg responded to news that the White House is exploring $5,000 cash incentives, expanded IVF access, and other measures to reverse America’s declining birthrate.

The segment didn’t go unnoticed, as clips of Goldberg’s critique were followed by a barrage of personal insults, notably from co-host Julie Banderas on the April 23 episode of Fox News’ 'Outnumbered'.

Julie Banderas mocks Whoopi Goldberg’s motherhood status

As per Daily Mail, Kayleigh McEnany kicked things off on 'Outnumbered' with a sarcastic quip, “I mean Julie, isn't she such a lovely person?”

To which Banderas responded with biting mockery, “Isn't she lovely? Such a shame she’s not a mother. I feel like she would have been the best role model. Thank God she did not do IVF, because I don’t think she’d find somebody to actually physically impregnate her, is what I’m trying to get at there.”

The comment was especially shocking given its inaccuracy, Goldberg is a mother. Her daughter, Alex Martin, is a 51-year-old actress and filmmaker from Goldberg’s marriage to Alvin Martin. 

It all started when Goldberg spoke about one proposal, reportedly tied to Donald Trump’s campaign narrative - a $5,000 “baby bonus” for new mothers.

“So as birth rates continue to decline in America, the White House is looking into offering $5,000 cash bonuses, expanded access to IVF, along with other incentives for women to have more babies,” Goldberg stated, flashing a tight grin.

She didn’t hold back, noting, “I am incredibly insulted by this because clearly they don't know how women's bodies work,” she said.

“And they don't know what it costs to raise a child or just have a child. And $5,000!? I don't know what $5,000 is supposed to do. And it's not even $5,000 cause you have to cut it in half cause you gotta pay taxes on it. So they're offering you $2,500! To have a baby!”

She added, “Now don't forget about all the stuff they've cut. Yes, you have a list, so I'm supposed to say to you all, and are you ready for this, what do you think of this proposal? Does it address the reasons why perhaps people aren't having children these days? But aren't you excited about it!?”

Whoopi Goldberg-Banderas feud highlights growing tensions over US fertility policies

Behind the media clash lies a very real conversation about how to address America’s falling birthrates.

According to the New York Times, the US has seen a slight uptick, just a 1% increase in 2024 births compared to 2023, per CDC data.

Among the more controversial proposals were firstly a $5,000 cash “baby bonus” to mothers after delivery.

Secondly, reserving 30% of Fulbright scholarships for married individuals or those with children.

Lastly, government-funded menstrual education programs aimed at improving fertility awareness.

Trump, dubbing himself the “father of fertilization,” signed an executive order earlier this year to make IVF more accessible, a policy move that, while groundbreaking, has also drawn criticism for lacking broader reproductive healthcare support.

All in all, the reaction to Goldberg’s criticism reveals a troubling pattern: Women, particularly older women and women of color, facing personal attacks for expressing political opinions.

Rather than engage with the issues Goldberg raised - taxable bonuses, the true cost of parenting, and systemic cuts to social services, Banderas’ remarks targeted her age, appearance, and perceived desirability.