Sunny Hostin calls US a ‘failed experiment’ on The View, panel pushes back

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Sunny Hostin is taking heat after declaring the United States a “failed experiment” during a heated segment on The View.

The blunt remarks came as the daytime panel discussed patriotism, President Donald Trump, and how Americans should feel heading into the country’s 250th anniversary.

‘Failed experiment’ remark shakes the table

Hostin said her frustration runs deeper than any single administration.

“Why I am conflicted about this country because I feel that it is at this point a failed experiment, quite frankly,” Hostin said. “I am also discouraged by how this country is viewed by the rest of the world.”

The comments landed during a discussion about Trump’s plan to host a UFC event on the White House lawn as part of the upcoming 250th birthday celebrations.

Hostin said her list of grievances was long and growing.

“I’m embarrassed at our government,” Hostin said. “I’m embarrassed at our lack of healthcare. I’m embarrassed on the assault on the press. I’m embarrassed by our Congress. I’m embarrassed by the criminal felon president that is in the Oval Office that has a UFC cage on the White House lawn.”

She added that America’s global reputation was part of her concern as well.

“I’m embarrassed about all those things, and I’m also embarrassed at how America is now seen across the globe,” Hostin said. “I don’t think that many Americans understand that we are part of a wonderful global community, and when you look at our allies, our allies are now giving us a one-star rating as a country.”

Panel pushes back

Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin pressed Hostin on whether she believed the situation was beyond repair.

“You think it’s beyond redemption at this point?” Griffin asked.

Hostin doubled down on her assessment.

“I think at this point it is failing,” Hostin said.

Griffin asked whether elections or leadership changes could help turn things around. Hostin then referenced a private exchange with former President Bill Clinton.

“I spoke to President Clinton when he was here off camera, and he believes that it’s going to take this country decades to recover from what has been done,” Hostin said.

Not everyone on the panel agreed with her bleak framing. Co-host Ana Navarro drew a sharp line between frustration with the government and pride in the country itself.

“I think you can separate feeling proud of America, feeling proud of being an American, feeling proud of the exceptionalism and resilience of this country, and feeling really ashamed and embarrassed and horrified by the American government right now,” Navarro said. “So, yes, yes, dammit, I am ashamed of it, but I will never stop being proud of being an American,” Navarro said.

Sara Haines agreed, calling the country flawed but still worth living in. “It’s an imperfect social experiment, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” Haines said.

Griffin also placed herself among Americans still broadly optimistic about the country’s trajectory.

“Count me among the two-thirds of Americans who are very proud to be American,” Griffin said. “I don’t think that means you can’t acknowledge our country has tremendous flaws and call this country an experiment in democracy because it’s not guaranteed.”

White House fires back

A White House spokesperson didn't hold back as he slammed Hostin’s remarks.

“Sunny Hostin is an extremely unlikable, talentless hack with a poorly rated TV show who clearly suffers from a severe and incurable disease known as Trump Derangement Syndrome,” White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said. “I lose brain cells every single time I have the displeasure of hearing her speak.”