Barbara Walters gives personal message to Donald Trump: ‘Stop it’

Barbara Walters is not amused by Donald Trump’s “October Surprise” stunt this week, and delivered a personal message to the mogul on “The View.”

During a discussion on Thursday of Trump’s $5-million offer to President Obama to release his academic records and passport information, Walters turned toward the camera and gave a personal message to her friend.

“Donald, you and I have known each other for many years and you know that I am your friend and you know I think you are a brilliant businessman and you are great on television and you have a fascinating personality,” Walters said. “Donald, you’re making a fool of yourself. You’re not hurting Obama, you’re hurting Donald and that hurts me because you’re a decent man. Stop it. Get off it, Donald.”

Even die-hard Republican Elisabeth Hasselbeck wasn’t impressed with Trump’s stunt. “If anything, why aren’t you asking for something that’s really important?” Hasselbeck wondered. “Like the information about Benghazi?”

Trump did not take kindly to Walter’s friendly advice, responding to “The View” host on Twitter with, “Barbara, unfortunately you’ve missed the entire point of my announcement--you just don’t get it” He continued, “@BarbaraJWalters, @theviewtv will apologize to me just like she did when I was right about @Rosie. Besides, I get great ratings on The View.”

Trump is very aware of ratings and he went further to announce that he’ll be on “Late Show With David Letterman” on Thursday night. “1st nite of Sweeps.Going into the lion’s den but I’ve been there many times before. Enjoy.”

Does anyone think it’ll be long before Walters has a chance to scold Trump in person on “The View?” Didn’t think so.

ALSO:

Stephen Colbert’s takedown of Fox News’ Libya coverage

Donald Trump’s ‘October Surprise’ leaves bad taste with celebs

On ‘The Tonight Show,’ Obama pokes fun at Trump, blasts Mourdock

Join Patrick Kevin Day on Google+ or Twitter. Email: patrick.day@latimes.com

PHOTOS, VIDEOS & MORE:

Timeline: Emmy winners through the years