Play video content EXCLUSIVE TMZ.com

Oprah Winfrey is afraid of Donald Trump ... or at least of having any public convo about the President-elect.

We got Oprah Tuesday morning outside CBS in NYC and tried to get her insight on Trump's impending administration. Our guy posed a pretty simple question, but her reaction was kinda shocking ... considering she's who she is.

You'd think she fears no one, but it's clear O wants NO part of a White House backlash.