Elisabeth Hasselbeck defends Trump's coronavirus response in return to 'The View'

Elisabeth Hasselbeck stopped by The View on Wednesday, and it was almost as if she never left.

Hasselbeck, who said goodbye to the Hot Topics table in 2013, picked up right where she left off — stirring up controversy and clashing with her co-hosts.

The outspoken conservative weighed in on President Donald Trump’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, defending him amid criticism that he’s not doing enough to contain the pandemic, and urged people not to panic.

“We have infected cases — those are serious. We’ve had deaths — those are serious. They’re not to be taken lightly at all, but I also think we shouldn’t be in a state of panic because what we’re doing — and taking cues from our president — is taking early, strong, bold action to keep this at bay as much as we possibly can right now,” said Hasselbeck.

Hasselbeck says she feels “comfortable and confident” because of “strong leadership” in place to combat the further spread of the virus, something co-host Joy Behar disagreed with.

“Where’s the ‘strong leadership?’” asked Behar. “He has told us nothing of any importance,” she added of Trump’s response to the outbreak.

Hasselbeck didn’t back down and said, “I do think our leadership right now is pointing us to say, ‘Hey, this is not a panic situation. This is a precautionary situation. We’re going to use Purell, wash our hands.’ We’re going to be OK, guys!”

Viewers headed to Twitter to weigh in on Hasselbeck’s comments, and not everyone agreed with her:

I hope this is the end of Elizabeth Hasselback on The View! Didn’t like her when she was on the show before and had to shut it off after watching her again. She just took over the show and touted what a good job Trump is doing with the coronavirus! That’s so ridiculous!

— Barb S (@BarbS73919408) March 11, 2020

@ehasselbeck is a wacko if she thinks the orange guy is doing a good job

— Arlene Rose Simon (@tnams06) March 11, 2020

But others were happy to see Hasselbeck standing up for Trump:

Thank you Elisabeth, for a common sense opinion on the View. Just wanted you to know that you're appreciated. God bless! 🇺🇸

— 🇺🇸 Sydni 🇺🇸 (@SydniLoved) March 11, 2020

So nice to have common sense on the view today. Thanks Elizabeth.

— linda (@linda99409305) March 11, 2020

For the latest news on the evolving coronavirus outbreak, follow along here. According to experts, people over 60 and those who are immunocompromised continue to be the most at risk. If you have questions, please reference the CDC and WHO’s resource guides.

Watch Brigitte Nielsen say she would purposely be infected with coronavirus if she got paid:

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