Andy Cohen, Bravo's executive, has publicly defended the inclusion of conservative and MAGA-aligned stars on "The Real Housewives" franchise, particularly "The Real Housewives of Orange County," in response to backlash from liberal viewers.
Cohen addressed the criticism on Threads, responding to a user who questioned the number of "MAGA women" on the show. He stated, "If we didn't showcase people with different POVs there would be no show." He emphasized that the program focuses on the personal relationships of the women, not on political discourse. Cohen also voiced support for the return of original RHOC star Vicki Gunvalson, calling her "great this season."
Tamra Judge, a longtime cast member, clarified her own political stance on Threads, posting, "This Housewife is not MAGA!"
The "Real Housewives of Orange County" has historically featured several cast members with openly Republican affiliations. Original cast members like Jeana Keough, Lauri Peterson, and Gunvalson were known to be Republican. More recently, figures such as Gretchen Rossi and Kelly Dodd have openly supported former President Donald Trump.
Emily Simpson, another cast member, recently distanced herself from the MAGA movement, stating, "I have strong values and that makes me inherently anti-MAGA."
Kelly Dodd was terminated from "The Real Housewives of Orange County" in 2021 following criticism over her political views and social media activity. Among the controversies was a novelty cap worn at her bridal shower in 2020 that read "Drunk Wives Matter," which drew significant backlash during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement. Dodd apologized for the hat, explaining it was a "play on words" and not intended to diminish the movement. She also faced criticism for remarks made during the COVID-19 pandemic, including her initial reluctance to wear a mask.
Reflecting on her dismissal in a 2026 interview, Dodd suggested she faced political discrimination, stating, "I feel like if you don't believe along the same lines they do, they don't like you."
Dodd, who has since left the Democratic party, attributed her political shift to experiences living in China and perceived "cancel culture" in the U.S. She and her husband, former Fox News reporter Rick Leventhal, now host a conservative-leaning podcast and show on Patreon and YouTube. Leventhal also hosts "The Leventhal Report" on Newsmax2.
Another former Bravo personality, Siggy Flicker of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," became a vocal supporter of Donald Trump. Trump appointed Flicker to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. Teresa Giudice, also from RHONJ, supported Trump in 2016, though her current stance is unclear.
Cohen himself is publicly aligned with the Democratic party and has been a vocal critic of Trump.