Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar Express Outrage Over Trump’s Tariffs on Hollywood

On the latest episode of The View, co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar voiced their frustration over President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on foreign-produced films. The policy, which would impose a 100% tariff on movies imported into the United States from abroad, has sparked widespread concern in Hollywood, with both Goldberg and Behar taking issue with the potential ramifications.

Goldberg, the show’s longtime moderator, was left nearly speechless by the plan, pointing out the absurdity of the proposal. “You can’t make The Passion of the Christ in Texas, and Gladiator can’t be filmed without going to Rome,” she remarked, illustrating how films often require foreign locations and resources to authentically tell certain stories. She also questioned the timing of the proposal, sarcastically asking, “Could you please lower the price of eggs before you start this?” highlighting the economic struggles Americans face on a daily basis.

The core of Goldberg’s criticism centered on the belief that the tariffs would limit artistic expression and hinder the global nature of filmmaking. She urged President Trump and actor Jon Voight, who is currently serving as the Special Ambassador to Hollywood, to reconsider their approach. Goldberg acknowledged the high costs of shooting in California, which has become prohibitively expensive for many productions, but she emphasized that the solution lies not in punitive tariffs, but in domestic tax incentives to make filming in the U.S. more affordable.

“Please stop. I get what Jon is saying. I understand,” Goldberg said, referring to Voight’s argument that such policies could bring more productions back to the U.S. “But the bottom line is tax incentives — if you want to change, you gotta change it in the States. You have to make it available to people to shoot here in the States. Don’t stop us from going over and shooting overseas because then you’re limiting us.”

She went on to express her belief that the global reach of Hollywood films serves an important purpose in connecting the world with American culture. “Not for nothing, the movies teach people English. We teach people who will never get to America what America is all about. We show them who we are,” Goldberg passionately argued. “If you impose a tax like this, you are saying that we’re not good enough, and that is not the case. We are the best in the world.”

Behar, her co-host, also expressed her dissatisfaction with the proposal, but from a different angle. She suggested that Trump’s tariff plan was nothing more than a diversionary tactic, designed to distract the public from the president’s other controversial policies. “Isn’t this just a distraction from the fact that he’s destroying the economy?” Behar asked. “It’s another card, as they call it. He’s ruining everything so look at this, not this.” Her comments reflected a larger frustration among many Americans who feel that the president’s focus on tariffs and other issues is detracting from the country’s more pressing challenges.

Behar’s remarks added fuel to the fire of Goldberg’s concerns, as both co-hosts agreed that the proposed tariffs could have far-reaching consequences for the American film industry. Hollywood has long been a global force, with films shot in locations all around the world. From historical epics like Gladiator to modern-day dramas filmed on location in various countries, the industry has thrived by tapping into international markets and resources. A sudden 100% tariff on these foreign productions could result in a significant shift, one that many believe would stifle creativity and restrict the diversity of stories that Hollywood is able to tell.

The conversation on The View highlighted a broader issue facing the entertainment industry: the tension between protecting domestic interests and maintaining the global nature of creative work. While the U.S. government’s efforts to bring more production to American soil are understandable, Goldberg and Behar’s remarks suggest that the solution may not lie in punitive tariffs, but in creating a more sustainable, inclusive environment for filmmaking within the United States.

In the end, the debate over Trump’s tariffs on foreign films is a reminder of the complex interplay between politics, the economy, and the arts. For now, it remains to be seen whether the policy will gain traction or if Hollywood will succeed in pushing back against what they see as an unjust and potentially damaging move.