‘The View’ Cohosts Challenge Savannah Chrisley on Disputed AOC Statement

Reality TV star Savannah Chrisley sparked immediate pushback during her recent guest-hosting appearance on “The View” after falsely claiming that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate for an upcoming election.

The misinformation was promptly corrected by the show’s regular hosts, with Whoopi Goldberg emphatically interjecting “No, no, no!” while Joy Behar quipped, “You better tell that to (California Gov.) Gavin Newsom!”

Chrisley’s unfounded assertion came during a panel discussion about Ocasio-Cortez’s recent comments on the Taiwan-China conflict at the Munich Security Conference. The New York congresswoman, widely known as AOC, has repeatedly denied any presidential ambitions, even explicitly stating during the Munich conference that she was attending “not because I’m running for president.”

The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of combating political misinformation, particularly when amplified through popular television platforms that reach millions of viewers. Media analysts note this exchange represents a textbook example of how misinformation spreads and the importance of immediate correction.

“When public figures with significant followings make demonstrably false claims, the damage can be substantial even with immediate correction,” said Dr. Eleanor Harding, media studies professor at Northwestern University. “Research shows that even debunked misinformation can linger in public consciousness.”

The exchange comes amid heightened political tensions as various potential candidates position themselves for future elections. While Ocasio-Cortez has built a significant national profile since her upset primary victory in 2018, she has consistently dismissed speculation about presidential aspirations, focusing instead on her congressional responsibilities.

The false claim about AOC’s candidacy follows a sequence of events that began on February 13, when the congresswoman addressed the Taiwan-China conflict at the Munich Security Conference. Three days later, former President Donald Trump criticized AOC’s remarks on this sensitive geopolitical issue, bringing additional attention to her comments.

Political analysts suggest Chrisley’s misinformation might stem from confusion about AOC’s rising prominence in Democratic politics or deliberate amplification of social media speculation. The 34-year-old congresswoman would be constitutionally eligible to run for president, which has fueled periodic rumors despite her clear statements to the contrary.

“The View” has long served as a high-profile forum for political discussion, with its hosts often engaging in spirited debate across partisan lines. The show’s swift correction demonstrates the increasing awareness among mainstream media platforms about their responsibility to counter misinformation.

Chrisley, who gained fame through reality television, was guest-hosting during the week of February 17-20, 2026. Her appearance on the show came amid her growing media presence following personal and family challenges, including her parents’ incarceration for tax evasion.

Media literacy advocates point to this incident as a teaching moment about the importance of verifying political claims before repeating them, especially on national television. As election cycles approach, the pressure on media figures to accurately represent candidate information will likely intensify.

The incident also reflects broader tensions in American political discourse, where speculation and misinformation can rapidly overshadow factual reporting, particularly regarding high-profile political figures like Ocasio-Cortez who often attract significant media attention across the political spectrum.

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, political analysts expect continued scrutiny of potential presidential contenders for 2028, making accurate reporting about candidates’ intentions increasingly important for maintaining an informed electorate.