Sunny Hostin criticizes DeSantis for partnering with Elon Musk, but her producers fact-check her live.

Virginia KrutaMay 24, 2023

Sunny Hostin Fact-Checked on Air by Her Own Producer

During Wednesday’s broadcast of “The View,” Sunny Hostin criticized Governor Ron DeSantis’ decision to announce his 2024 presidential bid alongside Elon Musk, claiming it was unwise to align with someone “unpopular.” However, Hostin was quickly fact-checked on air by her own producer, who informed her that Musk’s approval ratings were actually higher than both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Hostin began by attacking DeSantis’ Twitter announcement, stating that only a small percentage of Americans were even on the platform. She then went on to criticize Musk’s approval ratings, claiming they were “in the toilet.” However, her facial expression quickly changed as she listened to her earpiece and learned that Musk was actually more favorable than both Biden and Trump.

The View’s Sunny Hostin on Elon Musk: “I don’t know what his approval rating is, but it’s, like, in the toilet — oh, I’m sorry, I was just told that he’s more favorable than Biden and Trump, which scares me.”

(deleted previous tweet claiming she was referencing DeSantis) pic.twitter.com/vSGTYH02gA

— Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) May 24, 2023

The poll Hostin’s producer likely referenced was conducted by The Harris Poll and HarrisX from May 17-18, 2023, and it found that Musk had a 47% favorable rating and a 33% unfavorable rating (net rating +14). In that same poll, Trump received a 46% favorable rating and a 47% unfavorable rating (net rating -1); DeSantis received a 45% favorable rating and a 37% unfavorable rating (net rating +8); and Biden received a 42% favorable rating and a 52% unfavorable rating (net rating -10).

DeSantis Expected to Enter 2024 Presidential Race

Despite Hostin’s criticism, Governor DeSantis is expected to officially enter the 2024 presidential race on Wednesday, joining a growing primary field that includes former President Trump, Senator Tim Scott, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, and Vivek Ramaswamy.

Recent Polls Show DeSantis with Positive Favorability Rating

According to FiveThirtyEight, seven of eight recent polls show DeSantis with a positive favorability rating. In comparison, Joe Biden comes up negative in five out of five recent polls on favorability. Trump comes up negative in six of eight recent favorability polls and breaks even on the other two.