Ana Navarro’s juvenile acronym for Trump triggered online blowback, spotlighting the descent of daytime discourse into shallow spectacle.
At a Glance
- Ana Navarro called Trump “TACO” (Trump Always Chickens Out) on ABC’s “The View”
- Navarro and co-hosts chanted “TACO!” repeatedly, connecting the nickname to Trump’s Mexico policies
- Whoopi Goldberg endorsed the acronym over her previous “you-know-who” euphemism
- Critics argue the segment infantilized political discourse and used ethnic food imagery irresponsibly
- The nickname was designed to provoke rather than engage with Trump’s policy record
ABC’s “The View” Serves Up Snack-Sized Politics
In a recent segment on ABC’s daytime show “The View,” political commentator Ana Navarro unveiled her new nickname for Donald Trump: “TACO,” short for “Trump Always Chickens Out.” Framed as a jab at Trump’s immigration and trade policies, the acronym quickly devolved into chant territory, with Navarro gleefully repeating “TACO! TACO! TACO!” to laughter and applause.
The food-themed insult was embraced by the panel, especially Whoopi Goldberg, who declared, “I think that’s better than my ‘you-know-who.’ I’m going to start using that”. What was pitched as clever satire instead came across as a bizarre blend of cultural reference and playground mockery—an odd choice for a program billed as political commentary.
Watch the segment: Navarro Launches “TACO” Taunt.
Juvenile Humor Meets Cultural Stereotyping
Navarro defended her acronym by claiming its strength lay in its capacity to annoy Trump supporters. “For a nickname to be effective, there’s got to be truth to it, which this has,” she argued, noting its “karma” in response to Trump’s stance on Mexico. “As if I needed another reason to love tacos,” she added, highlighting what she called poetic justice.
But critics were quick to push back. Conservative commentators noted the hypocrisy of liberal media figures who would decry culturally loaded jokes from the right, yet embrace them when aimed at Trump. Others argued that infantilizing public debate with food nicknames distracts from substantive discussions on trade, border policy, or economic nationalism.
For a show that frequently positions itself as a platform for “serious women with serious views,” reducing a former president to a fast food item undermines any claim to thoughtful discourse.
From “Sister Act” to Sound Bites
The recent backlash has brought attention to Whoopi Goldberg’s evolving role on daytime television. Once recognized as a unifying figure and Oscar-winning actress, Goldberg now often serves as a voice for left-leaning perspectives on her show. Her support for the “TACO” moniker appears to reflect a shift in how daytime TV addresses political issues.
In a context marked by global instability, ongoing inflation, and upcoming elections, there is an increasing expectation for media hosts to promote informed debates rather than rely on catchy phrases or gimmicks for engagement. Unfortunately, the current discourse often prioritizes quick, attention-grabbing remarks over substantive discussions.
In an environment already filled with performative reactions, Navarro’s “TACO” chant could be seen as not only a lighthearted moment but also as a missed chance to foster deeper dialogue, reducing the conversation to superficial content rather than meaningful discourse.
