“The View” co-host Sunny Hostin recently discussed the congressional hearings on the Smithsonian Institution, suggesting they relate to reparations for descendants of enslaved people. Hostin claimed the Trump administration’s approach aims to reshape historical narratives to avoid compensating African Americans for past injustices.
During a Capitol Hill discussion, Smithsonian National Museum of American History Director Dr. Anthea Hartig responded to inquiries following a White House report. This report criticized the Smithsonian for being an institution of “ideological capture” and “extreme political activism.” Hostin argued that financial repair for descendants of enslaved Africans is of primary concern.
“Reparations,” Hostin emphasized, when pressed for clarity by her co-host Whoopi Goldberg, stating, “I think this reflects a broad effort by the Trump administration to reshape the way the nation’s history is told, so this country does not have to pay Black people for the forced labor and the unpaid labor that built this country.”
Hostin believes extensive work is needed for various aggrieved groups, especially African Americans, highlighting the absence of a truth and reconciliation commission for slavery unlike other historical injustices. This, she argues, prevents both reconciliation and financial compensation.
She noted that the United Nations General Assembly’s 2026 vote recognized the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity,” with the U.S., Argentina, and Israel dissenting. The Trump administration’s stance, as stated by Ambassador Dan Negrea, was that reparations for historical wrongs are not recognized as a legal obligation.
“And, so, what this is about is money,” Hostin stated. “This is not about anything else. It’s about this country trying to avoid paying African Americans our due.”
In 2024, Hostin appeared on the PBS show “Finding Your Roots” and discovered her ancestor was involved in the slave trade. This revelation left her “in shock,” particularly as she had identified as half Puerto Rican. Hostin noted that her husband’s family has ties to Spain, connecting their heritage.
Hostin also recently expressed feeling unsafe in neighborhoods displaying American flags, comments that attracted criticism. Hanna Panreck, associate editor at Fox News, reported on this situation.