Joy Behar claims Trump avoids strong women; conservative leaders push back, citing prominent women in his administration.

Debate Flares Over Trump’s Relationship with Women

A fresh round of political debate erupted this week after Joy Behar, co-host of “The View,” asserted that President Donald Trump only surrounds himself with “obedient” women who stroke his ego. Behar’s comments, aired Thursday, reignited the long-running discussion over Trump’s rapport with female colleagues and advisers.

“He doesn’t really like strong women,” Behar claimed, referencing what she described as a pattern of the president seeking praise and compliance from the women in his inner circle. She recounted an instance when Trump publicly responded to her jokes about his hair, suggesting that he singled her out for criticism due to her gender. “Every male comedian did jokes about his hair, but he went after me in particular,” Behar said, linking the episode to sexism.

Conservative women swiftly rejected Behar’s portrayal. Brett Cooper, host of “The Brett Cooper Show” and newly signed Fox News Media contributor, called the accusation “completely ridiculous” during an appearance on “Fox & Friends.” Cooper pointed to the numerous women in top roles during Trump’s administration, saying, “Trump’s entire administration is filled with strong, intelligent women.”

Cooper argued that Trump’s response to Behar may have been less about her gender and more about her outspoken persona. “Maybe it’s not the fact that you’re a woman, Joy, but it’s just that you are Joy, and he doesn’t want to deal with you,” Cooper said. “It’s less about you being a woman and just about who you are.”

Prominent Women in Trump’s Administration Highlighted

Further defending the Trump administration’s record, Cooper and others highlighted the impact of figures such as First Lady Melania Trump. “It’s so offensive to say that about her,” Cooper said, citing Melania’s linguistic abilities, published works, and independent streak. “You’ve seen the incredible work that she has done … and the fact that she actively pushes back against him on a daily basis, and they still have a great marriage.”

The list of women holding high-ranking positions in Trump’s administration has grown in recent years. Examples include Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Attorney General Pam Bondi, press secretary Karoline Leavitt, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, who earlier this year became the first woman to hold that title.

The criticism of Trump’s relationships with women is not new. Last year, billionaire Mark Cuban also contended that Trump “doesn’t like to be challenged” by strong, intelligent women, comments dismissed by Trump allies as “insulting” to the women who work closely with the president. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded at the time, “It’s simply not true. The former president’s team is filled with smart, independent women.”

The ongoing debate reflects a deeper divide over gender and leadership in American politics. As election season intensifies, both critics and defenders of Trump’s record are likely to revisit the question of how women are represented and empowered within the political establishment.