Whoopi Goldberg criticized President Donald Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign-produced films during Tuesday’s episode of The View, warning that such a policy could restrict creative freedom and impact the entertainment industry’s global reach, as reported by The New York Post.

The proposal, announced by Trump on Monday, would direct the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to begin implementing tariffs on all movies made outside the United States.

The stated goal of the plan is to boost domestic film production and bring more industry jobs back to the U.S.

Goldberg expressed concern that the policy could interfere with where and how productions are carried out.

“You can’t do that because what that equates to is you’re going to tell me how to write the story I want to write if it happens in Europe. You’re telling me that if my book comes out, and I want to write it, you’re telling me how to write it. You’re telling me you’re going to charge me for it.”

She also cited the high cost of shooting in California as a major factor in productions relocating to other countries. “The problem has always been, it’s been very expensive to shoot in California. That’s why we shoot in Canada,” Goldberg said.

She continued, “You couldn’t have shot ‘The Passion of the Christ’ in Texas. You can’t shoot ‘Gladiator’ without going to Rome. It is part of what we do. Please stop.”

Faux conservative Alyssa Farah Griffin mocks the idea of making some movie in America “Will it be Emily in Paris, Texas?”
Sara Haines notes that Trump’s tariff threat has already caused California to want to increase incentives to film there.
Whoopi continued to rage: “[I]f you… pic.twitter.com/UGP6c2jMUE

— Nicholas Fondacaro (@NickFondacaro) May 6, 2025

Trump’s tariff plan was developed in coordination with actor Jon Voight, who serves as his Hollywood Ambassador, and producer Steven Paul, a special advisor.

The two submitted a detailed strategy to revitalize the U.S. film and television sector. According to a statement, they consulted with major guilds, unions, studios, and streaming platforms to identify key reforms to increase domestic production.

Goldberg pushed back on the broader implications of the plan, saying it would limit opportunities and cultural influence.

“Don’t stop us from going over and shooting overseas, because then you’re limiting us. And also, not for nothing, the movies teach people English. We show them who we are. 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.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom appeared open to the idea, responding on social media:

“California built the film industry — and we’re ready to bring even more jobs home. We’ve proven what strong state incentives can do. Now it’s time for a real federal partnership to Make America Film Again. [POTUS], let’s get it done.”

California built the film industry — and we’re ready to bring even more jobs home.

We’ve proven what strong state incentives can do. Now it’s time for a real federal partnership to Make America Film Again.@POTUS, let’s get it done.

— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) May 6, 2025