Sunny Hostin slams Trump for ‘smirking’ after UFC fighter Josh Hokit's Michelle Obama remark

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Sunny Hostin did not hold back while discussing a controversial moment from UFC Freedom 250, taking aim at President Donald Trump for what she described as an inappropriate reaction to a comment made about former first lady Michelle Obama.

During the Monday, June 15, episode of 'The View', Hostin brought up the White House fight card while the panel was discussing an entirely different topic.

The conversation had centered on the New York Knicks before the co-host pivoted to a moment from the UFC event held on Sunday on the South Lawn of the White House.

Sunny Hostin condemns Josh Hokit’s comment about Michelle Obama

Hostin said she felt compelled to address remarks made by heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit following his victory over Derrick Lewis.

Hokit sparked controversy during his post-fight interview with UFC color commentator Joe Rogan when he unexpectedly shouted, "Michelle Obama is a man! Am I right, America?”

“I do want to address the derogatory slur made about the former first lady Michelle Obama, because I think it's important to address. And we won't dignify what was said by repeating it, but you should look it up,” Hostin said. 

She then explained why she believed the remark went beyond a simple insult.

“The roots are in slavery,” Hostin argued. “Black women have been slurred and made to feel that they were unattractive, made to feel that they were masculine, made to feel that they were — they didn’t have the femininity that a White woman would have.”

Hostin also noted that the statement carried sexist undertones. She criticized audience members who appeared to laugh during the moment and suggested the incident reflected broader social issues.

Sunny Hostin takes aim at Trump’s apparent reaction 

While Hostin condemned Hokit's statement, much of her criticism was directed at Trump.

Video from the event circulated widely online after viewers noticed what appeared to be a smile from the president during the interview.

Hostin referenced the footage while arguing that Trump should have publicly addressed the situation.

“And the president of the United States smirked, and never addressed what was said,” she said. “That is beneath the dignity of the office of the president of the United States, and it's beneath the dignity of the American people.”

CNN's live coverage of the event also noted that Trump “appeared to show a half-smile seconds after the false remark.” However, it remained unclear whether the expression was connected to Hokit's comment. 

Trump had attended the event from cageside and watched as Hokit secured a victory over Lewis.

According to UFC CEO Dana White, Trump had specifically requested Hokit's participation in the White House card after seeing his victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 327 in April.

White later dismissed Hokit's Michelle Obama remark as “nonsense.”

Ana Navarro joins the criticism as Trump celebrates UFC extravaganza

Hostin was not the only 'The View' co-host to criticize the president.

Ana Navarro also addressed the controversy and questioned why Trump did not publicly push back against the comment.

“I will tell you, you know, he is so obsessed with the Obamas, they live rent-free in their head,” Navarro said.

She added that she would celebrate America's upcoming 250th anniversary by honoring Barack Obama as “the first Black president” and urged voters to hold elected officials accountable.

The criticism came as Trump continued praising UFC Freedom 250 after the event concluded. 

Following the fights, the president took to Truth Social and celebrated what he considered a historic evening at the White House.

“The UFC at the White House last night was incredible,” Trump wrote. “The weather was scheduled to be horrendous, and it turned out to be PERFECT! So much for weather predicting.”

Trump also praised the fighters, calling them "outstanding." 

“Most people have never seen anything like that kind of human speed and power before. The White House has never looked more beautiful. The setting was unsurpassed!” he further wrote.

The president concluded by calling the event “one of the most exciting days in the History of our fabled White House.”