The NYC mayoral candidate joked that Behar would be the exception to his tax plans for millionaires

Joy Behar and Zohran Mamdani on “The View” (ABC)

😂 Whoopi Goldberg SHUTS DOWN Mayoral Candidate After He Jokes About Joy Behar’s Salary on The View

It was an awkward – but hilarious – moment on ABC’s The View Wednesday morning, when New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani made a bold joke about Joy Behar’s paycheck. But Whoopi Goldberg wasn’t having it.

Mamdani, who appeared on the daytime talk show to discuss his campaign promises, was pressed by Whoopi on his ambitious plan to make New York City more affordable by imposing a tax on people earning more than $1 million.

“With an exception for Joy,” Mamdani quipped with a grin, gesturing toward longtime panelist Joy Behar.

The audience roared with laughter, and even the co-hosts looked amused. But Whoopi was lightning-fast with her comeback.

“Think again, my friend,” she snapped, shutting down the suggestion that Behar was pocketing over a million. Without missing a beat, she rolled right back into her pointed question for the candidate.

😅 Joy Behar’s Silent Reaction

While the joke was squarely aimed at her, Joy Behar — who has been on The View since its debut in 1997 — chose not to say a word. Instead, she simply cracked a knowing smile as the exchange played out around her.

It was a rare moment where Behar, usually quick with her own punchlines, allowed the moment to pass without adding fuel to the fire.

💰 So, How Much Does Joy Really Make?

The true size of Behar’s paycheck has long been the subject of speculation. Official numbers are scarce, but back in a recent interview with Vulture, former The View host Sherri Shepherd revealed that when she first joined the show, Behar was earning around $500,000 a year.

That figure is likely far higher today, given Behar’s decades-long tenure, but whether she’s cracked the million-dollar mark remains a mystery.

📺 The Show Must Go On

Despite the lighthearted jab, Whoopi steered the conversation back to policy, refusing to let the moment derail the interview. The rest of the panel continued with their questions, while Behar stayed characteristically cool.

One thing is certain: even in the middle of political debates, The View never fails to deliver unscripted television gold.

11 a.m. ET on ABC.