Sunny Hostin, a co-host on ABC's "The View," has once again stated that she feels "unsafe" when encountering American flags in certain contexts, attributing this feeling to the flag being co-opted by elements of the country that associate it with white supremacy. Hostin made these remarks on Monday's episode of the talk show, recalling a similar sentiment she expressed in 2021.
"There are times when I walk into a community and I see American flags all over the community and I suddenly feel unsafe," Hostin said. "Because there is 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, and that should never be the symbol of white supremacy."
The discussion arose as the hosts were examining a photograph that had recently gone viral, depicting a lone Black woman on a train in Washington, D.C., surrounded by members of the Patriot Front, a white nationalist group. Hundreds of individuals from this group had gathered in Washington over the weekend, carrying American flags as part of the lead-up to America's 250th celebration.
"As a black woman, my lived experience in this country was embodied by a photograph that was taken," Hostin stated, referring to the image. "That for me was a defining image of modern America for black Americans."
In 2021, Hostin had articulated feeling "threatened" when American flags were displayed alongside flags supporting then-President Trump. She noted that for many, the flag historically symbolized freedom. Hostin explained that she felt the flag's meaning had shifted after Trump "politicized" it. She elaborated that seeing American flags everywhere, particularly outside of holidays like July 4th and not in predominantly military neighborhoods, alongside Trump flags or flags with stars in a circle, sent a clear message of white supremacy, racism, and exclusion.
Hostin also recently addressed remarks made by UFC fighter Josh Hokit about former First Lady Michelle Obama during an event at the White House. Hostin characterized Hokit's comments, which she described as a "derogatory slur," as evidence of systemic racism rooted in slavery, impacting Black women by making them feel unattractive or less feminine. She also criticized attendees for laughing and President Trump for smirking without addressing the remark, deeming it beneath the dignity of his office and the American people.