The View co-host Sunny Hostin sparked backlash after claiming that seeing neighborhoods covered in American flags can make her feel “unsafe,” while also comparing a person wearing an American flag on their hat to wearing a “hood.”
Hostin made the comments during a discussion about America’s recent 250th anniversary celebration and the state of the country. The conversation turned to a viral image showing members of a group of masked men from the controversial organization Patriot Front riding the Washington, D.C., Metro while wearing American flag-style insignias.
While condemning the group, Hostin argued that the American flag itself has been “co-opted” and “weaponized,” prompting criticism from those who believe her comments unfairly associate one of America’s most important national symbols with specific groups.
Sunny Hostin Says American Flags Make Her Feel “Unsafe”
During the conversation, Hostin revisited similar remarks she made on The View in 2021, saying her feelings have not changed.
“I said this on this show many, many years ago, because this is my tenth year on the show,” Hostin said. “I said 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.”
Co-Host of The View Sunny Hostin Says She Feels UNSAFE if a Neighborhood has American Flags.
I’m so tired of hearing these screeching anti-American women on The View that just sit and bitch, complain, and lie about our beautiful country.
If the Stars and Stripes make you feel… pic.twitter.com/RdsLOMt9M3
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) July 6, 2026
Hostin’s remarks immediately drew pushback from critics who argued that millions of Americans fly the flag outside their homes as a symbol of national pride, military service, family tradition, or appreciation for the country.
To those critics, the suggestion that neighborhoods displaying the American flag could be viewed as threatening crossed a line from criticizing specific groups into casting suspicion on everyday Americans expressing patriotism.
Sunny Hostin Compares American Flag Hat to Wearing a “Hood”
Hostin’s comments went even further when discussing the American flag imagery worn by the members of the group shown in the viral image.
“That, for me, was a defining image of modern America for Black Americans,” Hostin said, criticizing the group’s appearance.
She then specifically referenced an American flag displayed on a person’s cap.
Sunny Hostin issuing a legal notice on The View – YouTube, Page Six
“And with an American flag on that cap, you might as well have a hood on,” Hostin said.
The remark quickly intensified the controversy, as critics viewed the comment as comparing the display of the American flag on clothing to imagery associated with hate groups.
The American flag has existed for generations as a symbol representing the country itself — including the Americans who fought under it, immigrants who became citizens under it, first responders who raised it after national tragedies, and civil rights leaders who carried it while demanding the nation live up to its founding principles.
Critics argued that surrendering the flag’s meaning does not defeat hateful groups, but instead grants them ownership of a symbol that belongs to every American.
Alyssa Farah Griffin Pushes Back: “The Flag Belongs to All of Us”
Even Hostin’s co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin pushed back against the idea that certain organizations should be allowed to claim patriotic imagery.
“The flag belongs to all of us,” Griffin said.
Her response echoed the argument made by many critics of Hostin’s remarks: that the proper response to groups attempting to misuse American symbols is not abandoning those symbols, but reclaiming them.
Sunny Hostin speaking to JD Vance on The View – YouTube, The View
Throughout American history, the flag has represented countless people from different backgrounds, political beliefs, races, and religions.
It has been displayed by American troops overseas, raised at moments of national mourning, waved during Olympic victories, and carried during movements calling for the country to reflect its founding ideals.
Hostin Previously Called American Flag Displays a “Message of Racism”
This is not the first time Hostin has connected large displays of American flags with feelings of discomfort.
In 2021, she defended MSNBC analyst Mara Gay after Gay described being disturbed by seeing numerous American flags, Trump flags, and anti-President Joe Biden messaging during a trip through Long Island.
“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,’” Hostin said at the time.
Arnold Schwarzenegger on The View with Sunny Hostin – YouTube, The View
She continued by explaining her own reaction to certain neighborhoods.
“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 said.
“Because the message is very clear,” she continued. “It’s a message of racism, and it’s a message of their country, not my country.”
Controversy Comes After America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration
Hostin’s comments came just days after the United States celebrated its Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The historic milestone brought nationwide celebrations centered around American history, patriotism, and the country’s founding ideals.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. “Papa Jake” Larson poses with granddaughter Mckaela following a special Flag Retreat ceremony where the veteran was honored. – Disney Parks Blog
While Hostin argued that some groups have attempted to weaponize the flag, critics maintain that the answer is not viewing the symbol itself with suspicion.
For them, the American flag does not belong to political movements or any single ideology. It belongs to Americans.
How do you feel about Sunny Hostin of The View and her comments on the American flag? Sound off and let us know!
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