Joy Behar Defends Obama in Fiery Takedown of Trump: “He’s Jealous of Everything Obama Is”
New York City, July 27, 2025 — Outspoken television personality and longtime co-host of The View, Joy Behar, ignited political conversation once again this week after launching a passionate defense of former President Barack Obama — while taking aim at his successor, Donald Trump.
During a heated segment on Monday’s broadcast, Behar didn’t hold back her opinions, sparking both applause and backlash after suggesting that Trump harbors a deep, personal jealousy toward Obama. Her comments, laced with characteristic wit and biting honesty, quickly gained traction on social media, generating millions of views and shares within hours.
“Trump is so jealous of Obama,” Behar declared. “Because Obama is everything that he is not: Trim, smart, handsome, happily married, and can sing Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’ better than Al Green. And Trump cannot stand it. It’s driving him crazy.”
The segment came amid renewed tensions between supporters of the two political icons, as recent polling showed a surge in Obama’s continued favorability among Americans — particularly Gen Z and Millennial voters — many of whom view the former president as a symbol of grace, intelligence, and stability. Trump, meanwhile, continues to face mounting legal challenges and criticism over his inflammatory rhetoric and polarizing campaign strategies as he eyes a return to the White House in 2024.
A Long-Standing Rivalry
Behar’s comments tap into a long-observed dynamic between Obama and Trump — one marked by stark contrast and, some argue, personal animosity.
Their public relationship began to fray in 2011, when Trump spearheaded the “birther” conspiracy theory, falsely claiming that Obama was not born in the United States. The former president later eviscerated Trump at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner that same year — an event many believe lit the fuse on Trump’s political ambitions.
Since then, Trump has taken repeated jabs at Obama, often blaming him for national security issues, economic shortcomings, and accusing him of “spying” on his 2016 campaign — an allegation unsupported by evidence. Despite being out of office since 2017, Obama remains a frequent target in Trump’s speeches and Truth Social posts.
Behar’s Bold Defense
Joy Behar, 81, has never been one to shy away from political commentary. A liberal mainstay on The View, she has made headlines over the years for her vocal critiques of the Trump administration. But this week’s remarks seemed especially personal — perhaps reflecting the growing frustration among Democrats over what they perceive as Trump’s obsession with dismantling Obama’s legacy.
“What we’re seeing is classic insecurity,” Behar continued. “Trump tries to undo everything Obama did — from healthcare to international diplomacy. It’s not just politics. It’s envy. Deep, burning envy.”
She also pointed out the symbolic importance of Obama’s public image: “Obama walks into a room, and people smile. They feel calm. You can’t fake that. Trump storms in, and people brace for chaos.”
Reaction and Fallout
Within minutes of Behar’s remarks airing, social media lit up. The hashtag #JoyBehar started trending on X (formerly Twitter), with a sharp divide between those praising her candor and others accusing her of bias and disrespect.
“She said what everyone’s been thinking for years,” wrote one user. “Obama has class. Trump has cults.”
Conservative pundits, however, were quick to push back. Fox News anchor Jesse Watters called Behar’s comments “petty and unhinged,” suggesting that “liberals can’t go a week without invoking Obama to insult Trump.”
But some political analysts say Behar’s assessment may not be far off the mark.
“There’s long been a narrative that Trump resents Obama’s popularity and polish,” said Dr. Marissa Franklin, a political psychologist at NYU. “Obama represents a kind of effortless charisma that Trump has tried — and failed — to replicate. That contrast eats at him, especially when he sees the adulation Obama still receives.”
The Singing Sting
Behar’s pointed mention of Obama’s memorable rendition of “Let’s Stay Together” during a 2012 fundraiser added an especially cheeky jab — one that resonated with audiences who fondly remember the viral moment. The former president sang just a few lines, but it was enough to charm the crowd and launch a million memes.
“Who knew a president could be that cool?” Behar quipped. “Meanwhile, Trump’s karaoke sounds like a broken fax machine.”
The contrast between Obama’s soulful confidence and Trump’s brash bombast has become an enduring theme in American political satire — one that Behar expertly exploited with her latest remarks.
What’s at Stake
As the nation barrels toward another potentially explosive election cycle, the ongoing Obama-Trump dichotomy is poised to resurface again and again. Obama, though no longer in office, remains an influential figure within the Democratic Party, often stepping in to campaign for key candidates and promote civic engagement.
Trump, meanwhile, is expected to be the Republican nominee for 2024, despite facing multiple indictments and investigations.
Behar’s comments, while delivered with humor, underline a serious undercurrent in American politics: the cultural and emotional divide between two very different presidents — and the battle over what kind of leadership Americans want to return to.
For now, the war of words continues, with Joy Behar making it crystal clear where she stands. And whether you agree with her or not, one thing’s for sure: she knows how to get people talking.
