Whoopi Goldberg Criticizes White House Press Secretary Over ‘Wokeness’

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of “The View,” sparked controversy Wednesday by suggesting that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt owes her position to “wokeness.” The comment came during a heated discussion on the popular daytime talk show.

Goldberg, a longtime television personality and actress, made the remark while analyzing the Biden administration‘s hiring practices. “Let’s be real,” she said. “If it weren’t for wokeness, Karoline Leavitt might not have that job.” The statement drew immediate reactions from both the studio audience and her fellow co-hosts.

Leavitt, who assumed the role of White House press secretary in January 2025, has been a prominent figure in the Biden administration. A graduate of Harvard University, she previously served as a communications director for several high-profile political campaigns before joining the White House team.

Goldberg’s comments come amid ongoing national debates about diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in both the public and private sectors. The term “wokeness” has become a polarizing topic in American politics, with critics arguing it promotes tokenism while supporters view it as essential for addressing systemic inequalities.

As of Thursday morning, neither Leavitt nor the White House had issued a public response to Goldberg’s remarks. However, political analysts predict the comments could reignite discussions about the role of identity in government appointments.

This isn’t the first time Goldberg has made headlines for her political commentary. The EGOT winner has frequently used her platform on “The View” to weigh in on current events, often drawing both praise and criticism for her outspoken views.