Sunny Hostin, a co-host on ABC's "The View," has reiterated a sentiment she first expressed in 2021, stating that she feels uncomfortable and "unsafe" when she encounters neighborhoods with numerous American flags displayed.

Hostin explained during a recent episode that she believes a segment of the country has "co-opted" the American flag, equating its display with White supremacy. "There are times when I walk into a community and I see American flags all over the community and I suddenly feel unsafe because there’s a section of this country that has co-opted the American flag, and they equate being an American or an American flag with White supremacy," Hostin said. She added that while the flag should not be a symbol of White supremacy, "they have weaponized" it.

Her remarks came as the panel discussed a viral image of individuals identified as White nationalists marching in Washington, D.C., some of whom were seen with American flag-themed insignia on their caps. Hostin described the image as a "defining image of modern America for Black Americans."

Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin countered that the flag belongs to everyone and suggested focusing on unifying factors rather than divisions. Guest host Michelle Buteau questioned the celebration of America's 250th anniversary, asking, "The best nation. The best nation for who?" Buteau added that the viral image reflects how many people feel walking through communities.

In 2021, Hostin defended MSNBC analyst Mara Gay's controversial statement that seeing American flags, Trump flags, and condemnations of President Joe Biden was "disturbing." At the time, Hostin stated, "When someone of color, a Black woman, is telling you her feelings, people need to listen and not, you know, repudiate it and not say, 'Well, that can’t be true.'"

She further elaborated in 2021, "When I drive into a neighborhood, and it’s not July 4th, and I’m not in a predominantly military household neighborhood and there are flags, American flags, everywhere, alongside Trump flags, alongside flags with stars in a circle, I feel threatened."

Hostin concluded that the message conveyed by such displays is "a message of White supremacy, it’s a message of racism, and it’s a message of their country, not my country."