Hollywood on the Brink: The Autopen Controversy, The View’s Ratings Crash, and the Collapse of Celebrity Politics

Introduction: A Tipping Point in American Entertainment

On December 1st, 2025, the American entertainment industry found itself at a crossroads. Once the epicenter of global culture and aspiration, Hollywood now faces a crisis of relevance and trust. The film and music industries, long dominated by celebrities who wielded enormous influence, are reeling from a public backlash that shows no signs of slowing down. The reason? A relentless push into political territory—particularly anti-Trump rhetoric—that has alienated fans across the spectrum.

The latest flashpoint: President Trump’s announcement to cancel all executive orders signed by President Joe Biden using the autopen, a move that ignited a firestorm of commentary from Hollywood, the media, and especially ABC’s “The View.” The fallout has been swift and brutal, with ratings plummeting, networks scrambling to cut costs, and celebrities facing a reckoning with their own audiences.

This is the story of how politics, personality, and the pursuit of power have brought Hollywood and its media partners to the brink—and what it means for the future of American culture.

The Rise and Fall of Celebrity Politics

For decades, Hollywood has been more than just an entertainment capital. It has served as a cultural barometer, a place where trends are born and societal boundaries are pushed. In the 21st century, the line between celebrity and political activist blurred, with actors, musicians, and comedians using their platforms to champion causes and candidates.

Initially, this activism energized fans and drew new audiences. But over time, the relentless focus on politics—especially the anti-Trump narrative—began to wear thin. Whether one supported Trump or not, the constant barrage of political messaging became exhausting. Audiences who once looked to celebrities for escapism and inspiration now found themselves bombarded with lectures and partisan attacks.

As a result, fans began to tune out. Ratings fell, box office receipts declined, and the once-unassailable influence of Hollywood started to erode.

The Autopen Drama: Trump, Biden, and Executive Power

The latest controversy centers on a bureaucratic tool: the autopen. For years, presidents of both parties have used this device to sign official documents when unable to do so in person. But in late 2025, President Trump seized on the issue, declaring that all orders signed by President Biden’s autopen would be canceled.

The announcement was as much a political maneuver as a policy decision. Trump’s supporters hailed it as a bold move to reclaim executive authority, while critics denounced it as an unprecedented attack on presidential norms and a personal vendetta against his predecessor.

The response from Hollywood and the media was immediate and intense. Celebrities and talk show hosts lined up to denounce Trump, framing the move as evidence of authoritarianism and a threat to democracy itself.

The View: From Ratings Powerhouse to Crisis Mode

Nowhere was the backlash more visible than on “The View,” ABC’s long-running daytime talk show. Once a ratings juggernaut, the program has become a lightning rod for controversy, thanks in large part to the outspoken political views of its hosts: Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Whoopi Goldberg.

As news of Trump’s autopen order broke, “The View” hosts delivered scathing commentary on air. Sunny Hostin accused Trump of acting like a king, attacking Biden and the media, and creating an authoritarian society. She went so far as to say Trump supporters “don’t deserve to be in this country,” a remark that sent shockwaves through the audience and social media.

Joy Behar doubled down, lambasting Trump’s actions as lunacy and condemning his supporters as “un-American.” She accused Trump of using the autopen controversy to sow chaos and undermine the media, warning that he would try to remain in office beyond his second term.

Whoopi Goldberg and the rest of the panel echoed these sentiments, painting a picture of a country on the brink of dictatorship—a narrative that resonated with some viewers but alienated many others.

The Ratings Collapse: When Viewers Tune Out

The result? A ratings disaster of historic proportions. Even “The View’s” most loyal fans began to see through the hosts’ rhetoric, questioning the authenticity of their outrage and the sincerity of their political positions. The show’s numbers plummeted, dragging down ABC’s entire daytime lineup and prompting executives to consider drastic cost-cutting measures.

Behind the scenes, panic set in. ABC and parent company Disney scrambled to contain the financial fallout, slashing budgets and re-evaluating programming across the board. Shows like “Good Morning America” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” were not immune, as advertisers grew wary of associating with increasingly divisive content.

The lesson was clear: Audiences were no longer willing to tolerate endless political commentary from their entertainers. They wanted substance, not sound bites; entertainment, not agitation.

The Media’s Crisis of Credibility

The collapse of “The View” was part of a larger trend. Across the media landscape, networks and personalities who once commanded immense trust now found themselves under siege. The charge from critics: The media is failing not because it spreads lies, but because it has allowed itself to be silenced—or, worse, co-opted—by political agendas.

Joy Behar’s on-air tirades offered a window into this dynamic. She railed against Trump for “silencing” the media and predicted he would find a way to stay in office indefinitely—a claim dismissed by many as conspiracy-mongering. Yet, her anger was real, and it reflected a deep sense of frustration among media professionals who feel their influence slipping away.

The backlash was not limited to the right. Progressives, moderates, and apolitical viewers all expressed fatigue with the endless cycle of outrage, finger-pointing, and self-righteousness that now dominates so much of American media.

Hollywood’s Reckoning: When Stars Lose Their Shine

As Hollywood celebrities weighed in on the autopen controversy, the public’s patience wore thin. Actors, singers, and comedians who once had the power to shape cultural conversations now found themselves facing boycotts, social media backlash, and declining ticket sales.

The problem was not simply that celebrities had opinions. It was the perception that they were out of touch, hypocritical, and more interested in scoring political points than connecting with their fans. The spectacle of multimillionaires lecturing ordinary Americans on morality and politics struck many as tone-deaf, especially at a time when economic hardship and social unrest were on the rise.

Some stars tried to pivot, returning to less political fare or focusing on charity work. Others doubled down, insisting that their activism was more important than ever. But the damage was done. The era of the celebrity as moral arbiter appeared to be over.

The View’s Hosts: Sincerity or Strategy?

One of the most striking aspects of “The View’s” decline has been the debate over the sincerity of its hosts. Critics accuse Joy, Sunny, and Whoopi of being “phony,” using outrage as a performance to boost ratings. Yet, as some insiders point out, the hosts’ politics are deeply personal—they genuinely believe in their causes and are willing to risk their careers to promote them.

This paradox—between authenticity and audience alienation—lies at the heart of the crisis facing not just “The View,” but the entire industry. In an age of social media and instant feedback, viewers can tell when they’re being pandered to or manipulated. They crave honesty, but they also want to be entertained. Striking that balance has proven elusive for even the most seasoned professionals.

The Economics of Outrage: Networks in Panic Mode

With ratings in free fall, networks like ABC have been forced to confront the economic realities of the new media landscape. Cost containment plans, budget cuts, and layoffs have become the norm as executives struggle to adapt to changing tastes.

The panic is not limited to daytime television. Late-night talk shows, award ceremonies, and even blockbuster films have seen their audiences dwindle. The formula that once guaranteed success—celebrity plus controversy—no longer works.

Some industry insiders argue that the answer lies in returning to basics: compelling stories, relatable characters, and content that brings people together rather than driving them apart. Others believe that the genie is out of the bottle, and that politics will remain a permanent fixture of entertainment for years to come.

The Broader Cultural Battle: Politics, Entertainment, and Identity

The autopen controversy and the collapse of “The View” are not isolated incidents. They are part of a broader cultural battle over the role of politics in American life. As the boundaries between news, entertainment, and activism blur, audiences are left to navigate a landscape where every choice feels like a political statement.

For some, this is a welcome development—a sign that Americans are more engaged and informed than ever. For others, it is a source of exhaustion and anxiety, a never-ending cycle of outrage that leaves little room for joy or connection.

What is clear is that the old formulas no longer apply. The public has become more discerning, more skeptical, and less willing to accept the authority of celebrities or media figures without question.

The Future: Can Hollywood and Media Recover?

As 2025 draws to a close, the future of Hollywood and the media remains uncertain. Networks and studios are experimenting with new formats, seeking to reconnect with audiences who have drifted away. Some are betting on nostalgia, reviving classic shows and franchises in the hope of recapturing lost magic. Others are turning to digital platforms, influencers, and grassroots creators who offer a more authentic voice.

For “The View,” the path forward is unclear. The show’s producers face a stark choice: double down on politics and risk further alienation, or pivot to a more balanced, inclusive approach. The stakes are high, not just for the show, but for the entire industry.

Hollywood, too, must reckon with its new reality. The days of unchallenged celebrity influence are over. In their place must come humility, accountability, and a willingness to listen to the audience—not just lecture them.

Conclusion: Lessons from the Collapse

The autopen controversy, the ratings crash of “The View,” and the broader backlash against Hollywood and the media are more than just passing trends. They are signs of a fundamental shift in American culture—a demand for authenticity, accountability, and a return to the core values of storytelling and connection.

As the dust settles, one thing is certain: The public is no longer content to be passive consumers of celebrity opinions and media narratives. They want to be heard, to be respected, and to be entertained. For Hollywood and the media, the message is clear: Adapt or risk irrelevance.

The next chapter of American entertainment will not be written by celebrities or talking heads, but by audiences themselves—demanding better, expecting more, and refusing to settle for anything less.