Barbara Walters called feud-frenzied Donald Trump “that poor, pathetic man” on “The View,” high-fived Mr. Trump’s feud foe, Rosie O’Donnell, and declared the ABC daytime show is “moving on.”

For the ever-dignified and nonjudgmental Ms. Walters, who has interviewed recovering celebrities, international despots, assorted criminals and political dignitaries, the opening conversation of Wednesday’s show ranks as a personally historic moment: The first time she has ever spoken ill of anyone, much less a long-time friend, on TV.

Mr. Trump lobbed the latest verbal grenades Tuesday in the month-old feud. The fight started with the outspoken Ms. O’Donnell’s reaction to Mr. Trump’s decision to give hard-partying Miss USA Tara Conner a trip to rehab and a second chance to fill out the remaining two months of her reign.

He Tuesday faxed a venomous letter to Ms. O’Donnell (and press outlets) in which he said Ms. Walters had told him that working with Ms. O’Donnell is “like living in hell” and that Ms. O’Donnell “won’t be here long” on “The View.”

Mr. Trump appeared on Tuesday’s “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” but only recapped the feud, saying he had promised “Late Night” producers he would not talk about Ms. O’Donnell.

Ms. Walters has more than once denied that she regrets having hired Ms. O’Donnell. However, the New York tabloids Tuesday carried juicy stories about a confrontation in “The View” makeup room Monday, when Ms. O’Donnell heatedly accused Ms. Walters of being a liar and not having been emphatic enough in her defense.

On Wednesday’s “Live With Regis and Kelly,” Regis Philbin said, “Where’s the U.N. when you need it?”

Ms. O’Donnell started “The View” with a no-name-needed comment: “Well, he’s at it again. What can you say about that guy?”

Ms. Walters replied: “That poor, pathetic man.”

Ms. O’Donnell cheered “Yes!” The studio audience burst into wild applause and approving hoots.

“He just can’t let go,” Ms. Walters said.

“And I’m happy to say his show [‘The Apprentice’] tanked,” Ms. O’Donnell said.

Mr. Trump is not the only one in this feud who can’t let go.

(Editor: Baumann)