Harris Faulkner Reflects on 2018 The View Clash: A Moment That Changed Her Career and the Future of Daytime TV

Harris Faulkner, a respected and influential figure in American journalism, has often been known for her composed demeanor and incisive commentary. However, one pivotal moment in her career stands out—not for her calmness, but for the fiery exchange that ignited a debate on the boundaries of personal privacy, media ethics, and the role of women in broadcast journalism. This moment, which occurred during a 2018 appearance on The View, not only challenged Faulkner professionally but also set the stage for her transformation into one of the most respected voices in modern political journalism.

In a candid reflection shared with Politico in 2025, Faulkner recalled the incident that would change her perspective on media and her career forever: a confrontation with The View co-host Sunny Hostin, where Faulkner was unexpectedly asked to discuss her personal life—specifically her daughters—in a way that left her feeling violated. This moment sparked a chain of events that would lead her to reevaluate her approach to both her professional responsibilities and her personal boundaries.

The Setting: A Routine Appearance Turns Into a Personal Confrontation

When Faulkner appeared on The View in 2018, she was there to discuss her book and share insights about her career. What seemed like a standard appearance on the show, known for its outspoken and often contentious debates, quickly took a turn when Hostin, without warning, brought up Faulkner’s family—specifically, her daughters.

“I was there to discuss my career, my values, my book,” Faulkner later recounted in an interview. “I wasn’t prepared to be ambushed with my children’s images on national television. That moment felt deeply inappropriate.”

Hostin, as part of a broader conversation about race and identity in the media, displayed a photo of Faulkner’s daughters, Bella and Danika, on the screen. This unexpected invasion of privacy left Faulkner taken aback, forcing her to balance the desire to maintain professionalism with the deep discomfort she felt over the lack of respect for her boundaries.

Faulkner’s immediate reaction was one of disbelief, and the tension in the studio was palpable as the focus shifted from her book and career to her personal life. Hostin’s questioning began to delve into Faulkner’s experiences as a Black woman raising biracial children, a sensitive subject that many viewers felt should have been approached with more consideration.

The Fallout: A Breach of Trust and Public Outrage

What followed was a delicate dance between defending her privacy and maintaining her composure on national television. The show’s audience, which had expected an engaging discussion on Faulkner’s career and her insights into the media world, was thrown off balance by the unexpected shift toward her personal life.

Faulkner, ever the professional, held her ground, but the aftermath of the incident had lasting effects. “I’ve spent years building my career on my ability to control the narrative, to stick to facts,” Faulkner later shared. “But in that moment, the narrative was no longer in my hands.”

The invasion of her personal space sparked outrage from fans and commentators alike, many of whom felt that the move was not only disrespectful but indicative of a larger issue within the media. “Why do we have to dive into personal lives to get to the real story?” one fan wrote on social media. “Let people decide when and how they want to share about their families.” Faulkner’s response, however, was not one of anger but of resolve. She made it clear that she would not tolerate being used as a tool for sensationalism.

“I’ve always been someone who believes in transparency, but there’s a difference between transparency and exploitation,” Faulkner explained in her later reflections. “It’s about respect. Respect for the work you do, and respect for the life you choose to share.”

Media Culture and Gender Dynamics: A Growing Debate

The confrontation between Faulkner and Hostin revealed a deeper issue in the world of broadcast journalism: the often complicated relationship between media culture, gender dynamics, and the pressure on female journalists to reveal personal details. Women in the media, particularly those in positions of power, are frequently expected to balance professional success with the public demand for personal revelations. Faulkner’s clash with The View highlighted how this double standard impacts women in the industry.

“Women in the media are often expected to offer up pieces of their personal lives for public consumption,” Faulkner said, reflecting on her experience. “And when we don’t, we’re seen as aloof or defensive. But I’m not here to perform for anyone. I’m here to inform, and I’m here to do my job.”

This moment in 2018 served as a turning point for Faulkner, who saw the treatment she received as a reflection of a larger, systemic issue in how women in journalism are expected to perform—both on-screen and off. The press often pushes female journalists to give more of themselves than their male counterparts, using personal lives as fodder for ratings or debates. For Faulkner, this was not just about a single interview but about the treatment of women in the media, and her commitment to challenging those norms was born from that moment.

The Faulkner Focus: A New Era of Political Engagement and Independence

In 2025, Faulkner launched her own show, The Faulkner Focus, which has quickly become a critical success. The show, which centers on breaking news, political analysis, and in-depth interviews, represents a new chapter for Faulkner, allowing her to reclaim control over her narrative and steer the conversation in a direction that aligns with her values.

“The Faulkner Focus is my space,” Faulkner has said. “I’m not here to pander or perform. I’m here to ask the questions that need to be asked and to give people the news they can trust.” This new platform has allowed her to engage with critical political issues on her terms, free from the constraints of shows like The View that often blur the line between personal and professional life.

Through The Faulkner Focus, Faulkner has been able to focus on the issues that matter most to her and her audience. The show’s success has been fueled by her reputation as a steady, reliable journalist who stands firm in her beliefs. Her approach to news reporting—one rooted in authenticity and respect—has resonated with viewers who appreciate her commitment to integrity.

The Bigger Picture: Redefining Journalism and Personal Boundaries

The incident on The View marked a critical moment not only in Faulkner’s career but also in the ongoing debate about the role of journalists in the media landscape. In a time when personal lives are increasingly used as public entertainment, Faulkner’s stance on maintaining boundaries became a rallying cry for those who believe that journalistic integrity should be respected and upheld.

Her decision to distance herself from sensationalism and reclaim her narrative is part of a larger trend in which journalists, especially women, are beginning to push back against the media’s tendency to exploit personal lives for the sake of views. Faulkner’s bold response to the The View incident has paved the way for other journalists to follow suit, reminding the industry that respect, integrity, and professionalism should always come first.

What’s Next for Harris Faulkner?

As Faulkner continues to lead The Faulkner Focus, her career remains firmly grounded in the values she has always espoused: integrity, respect, and a commitment to truthful journalism. Her experience with The View has only strengthened her resolve to carve out a space where she can speak her truth without compromise.

With her growing influence and unwavering commitment to the principles that have guided her career, Faulkner is positioned to become an even more influential voice in the world of political commentary and journalism. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to stand firm in the face of adversity will continue to make her a key figure in both the media and political spheres.

Conclusion: A Moment of Growth and Change

The 2018 The View clash may have been a defining moment in Harris Faulkner’s career, but it also marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life. The lessons she learned from that encounter—about setting boundaries, demanding respect, and navigating the pressures of being a woman in media—have shaped her approach to journalism and to life. As The Faulkner Focus continues to thrive, Faulkner’s legacy in the world of broadcast journalism is far from over, and her ability to speak out for truth and fairness will continue to inspire future generations of journalists.