On May 6, 2025, Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar expressed their outrage on 'The View' regarding President Donald Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States. The discussion came as part of the show’s Hot Topics segment, where the co-hosts reacted to Trump’s controversial plan, which they believe threatens the Hollywood industry.
Goldberg, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, was left almost speechless by the implications of such a tariff. "You can’t make The Passion of the Christ in Texas, and Gladiator can’t be filmed without going to Rome," she pointedly remarked, highlighting the logistical challenges that the proposal would create for filmmakers. She implored the president to consider more pressing economic issues, asking, "Could you please lower the price of eggs before you start this?" This humorous yet serious plea underscored her frustration with the timing of the proposal amidst rising costs of living.
The discussion was further fueled by a video posted by actor Jon Voight, who is currently serving as Trump’s Special Ambassador to Hollywood. In the video, Voight proposed federal incentives for production and post-production, suggesting that these measures would help bring more film projects to the U.S. However, Goldberg countered Voight’s argument, asserting that imposing a tax on foreign films would not solve the underlying issues faced by the industry. "If you want a change, you got to change it in the States," she insisted, emphasizing the need for tax incentives to encourage filmmakers to shoot domestically.
Behar chimed in, suggesting that the tariff proposal might be a diversion from more significant problems Trump has created since returning to office in January 2025. "Isn’t this just a distraction from the fact that he’s destroying the economy?" she questioned, echoing concerns that the administration’s focus on tariffs is a smokescreen for more pressing economic issues.
Goldberg’s frustrations were palpable as she elaborated on the practicalities of international filmmaking. "When you go over to another country to work, you work with the people who are there. We don’t import our folks to go over there, so who are you going to put this tariff on? Is it on the production? Is it on the studio? What are you talking about?" Her concerns reflect a broader anxiety within the industry about how such tariffs could stifle creativity and limit storytelling.
Sunny Hostin, another co-host, supported Goldberg’s argument, asserting that Trump might not fully understand the economic impact of his proposed policy. "The one thing I will mention is that the 10 highest-grossing movies in the world last year were all released by U.S. studios," Hostin explained, indicating that international markets are crucial for American cinema. She pointed to the success of films like Sinners, which is currently being screened in 72 overseas markets, as evidence of the importance of global audiences.
Alyssa Farah Griffin added a lighter note to the discussion, joking about the absurdity of potential domestic adaptations of popular shows. "Like Emily in Paris, is it going to be Emily in Paris, Texas?" she quipped, suggesting that the scope of storytelling would be severely limited if productions were restricted to the U.S. only. This humor brought some levity to the serious topic but also underscored the potential ramifications of the tariff.
Goldberg continued to emphasize the importance of diverse locations in filmmaking, stating, "You can’t shoot Gladiator without going to Rome! It is part of what we do. Please stop." Her impassioned plea reflected the sentiments of many in the industry who believe that creativity thrives on freedom of expression and the ability to shoot in various locales.
In response to the proposed tariffs, California Governor Gavin Newsom suggested creating a federal tax credit for domestic filmmaking projects. This proposal, as noted by co-host Sara Haines, could help alleviate some of the financial burdens that filmmakers face in California, which has become known for its high production costs. Haines remarked that the suggestion could be seen as a tactic to counter the administration’s tariff proposal.
As the discussion wrapped up, Goldberg reiterated her concerns about the implications of the tariff on the film industry. "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," she asserted, capturing the pride many in the industry feel about American cinema's global influence.
The episode of 'The View' aired on ABC at 11 a.m. ET, and it is clear that the topic sparked significant discussion among the co-hosts and the audience. As Hollywood grapples with the potential impacts of Trump’s tariff proposal, the voices of influential figures like Goldberg and Behar serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting artistic expression and the economic realities of filmmaking.
