The View Hosts Share Theory on What Trump’s ‘King’ Title Means as Joy Behar Issues Message to Republican Party

The hosts of The View didn’t hold back as they dissected Donald Trump’s recent social media post referring to himself as a “King.” 

The discussion, which took place on Thursday’s episode, centered on Trump’s boastful declaration following his administration’s decision to halt New York City’s 

controversial congestion pricing system. While the panel debated the intent behind Trump’s words, 

Joy Behar took the opportunity to call out Republican lawmakers, particularly Senator Susan Collins, demanding they stand up to the former president.

Trump Declares Himself ‘King’ After Halting NYC Congestion Pricing

The controversy began when Trump took to his Truth Social platform to celebrate his administration’s move against the congestion pricing plan, 

which would have charged most vehicles a $9 toll for entering lower Manhattan.

“Congestion pricing is dead. Manhattan, and all of New York, is saved. Long Live The King!” Trump wrote.

His post was later amplified by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich, who shared an edited image of Trump in regal attire, wearing a crown and royal robes.

The decision to halt congestion pricing was met with both praise and backlash. While some commuters and suburban drivers welcomed the move, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, vowed to challenge it in court.

“We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king,” Hochul fired back, promising legal action to reinstate the toll program, which was intended to reduce traffic congestion and fund public transportation improvements.

Ana Navarro’s Take: Is Trump Distracting the Public?

On The View, Ana Navarro, a longtime Trump critic, suggested that Trump’s self-coronation was less about humor and more about political distraction. She theorized that Trump was using the “King” title to divert attention from more pressing issues affecting Americans.

“Look, I think what he did with this—calling himself king—is he’s trolling the opposition,” Navarro said. “He is distracting us, distracting the media so that we don’t talk about the nuclear scientists who were accidentally fired or the survivors of 9/11 losing benefits.”

Navarro argued that Trump’s online antics often serve as a smokescreen to shift focus away from policy failures or controversial decisions. She also pointed out that Trump’s administration had been making cuts in various areas of government, including programs that affect vulnerable communities.

Joy Behar’s Message to Republican Lawmakers

While Navarro focused on Trump’s political strategy, Joy Behar took aim at members of the Republican Party, specifically Senator Susan Collins of Maine.

“I would question the Republicans in Congress,” Behar said, before calling out Collins by name.

Co-host Sara Haines chimed in, mentioning Collins’ reputation as a moderate who sometimes sides with Democrats. But Behar remained skeptical of Collins’ willingness to push back against Trump.

“Step up and do your job and stop kissing his butt!” Behar demanded.

Behar’s frustration reflects a broader concern among liberals that many Republicans, even those who have previously expressed unease about Trump’s leadership, continue to fall in line with him rather than challenging his actions.

Trump’s ‘King’ Imagery and Napoleon Reference

Trump’s embrace of royal symbolism didn’t stop with the congestion pricing post. His social media accounts also shared a mock Time magazine cover replacing the title with “Trump,” featuring an image of him wearing a crown.

Days before that, Trump posted a statement reminiscent of Napoleon Bonaparte, saying:

“He who saves his Country does not violate any Law.”

Napoleon, who declared himself Emperor of France in 1804, is often referenced in discussions about leaders consolidating power. Trump’s use of similar language has fueled speculation that he intends to push the limits of executive authority if re-elected.

New York’s Legal Battle Over Congestion Pricing

The congestion pricing plan, which Trump’s administration blocked, was designed to reduce traffic in lower Manhattan while generating revenue for much-needed public transportation improvements.

The move to kill the plan was spearheaded by Trump’s Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, who announced that the federal government was rescinding its approval of the program.

Governor Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) are fighting back, arguing that congestion pricing had already shown benefits, such as reduced traffic and increased transit ridership. MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber criticized the federal reversal, stating:

“It’s mystifying that after four years and 4,000 pages of federally-supervised environmental review, the USDOT would seek to totally reverse course.”

Conclusion

Trump’s self-proclaimed “King” status has sparked widespread discussion, from political analysts to daytime talk show hosts. While The View panel saw it as a calculated distraction, Joy Behar turned the moment into a call to action for Republicans like Susan Collins to challenge Trump’s grip on the party.

Meanwhile, the battle over New York’s congestion pricing is far from over, as Governor Hochul has promised legal action to reinstate the program. Whether Trump’s intervention will ultimately stand—or if his royal declaration is just another publicity stunt—remains to be seen.

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