Whoopi Tears Up Note Over Autopen Pardon Joke

On Nov. 3, during The View, Whoopi Goldberg ripped up a note Sunny Hostin passed her live after Goldberg joked that President Donald Trump “used an autopen” in the pardon of Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao. Multiple outlets reported the card came from producers and asked the show to clarify that they did not know whether an autopen was used; Hostin said the intent was to avoid presenting speculation as fact. Goldberg said the remark was a joke, railed that viewers misunderstand nuance, and tore the card multiple times to applause from the studio audience. The exchange returned the panel to broader criticism of immigration enforcement and Trump’s interview on 60 Minutes. Reports say producers have asked the panel to soften anti‑Trump commentary amid heightened scrutiny, and FCC Chair Brendan Carr has suggested reviewing whether programs like The View qualify for certain news‑program exemptions. The incident echoes prior on‑air note controversies and highlights networks’ sensitivity to live remarks after high‑profile legal and factual missteps.