Bulwark Takes
Trump’s Insane New Tariffs on… Movies?
May 5, 2025
Sonny Bunch, a movie guru known for his contributions to Morning Shots, joins the discussion to unpack Donald Trump’s bizarre proposal for 100% tariffs on foreign films. The trio examines the impracticalities of the plan and its potential chaos in the Hollywood ecosystem. They dive into the absurdity of enforcing such tariffs, especially on digital content, and debate its broader implications for American media. With a mix of humor and skepticism, they explore how these policies could disrupt the film industry’s recovery and reshape our media landscape.
18:04
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Trump's proposed 100% tariffs on foreign films highlight his belief in protecting the American film industry from international competition.
- The introduction of such tariffs creates confusion over implementation and risks stifling creativity and investment within the already struggling film sector.
Deep dives
Trump's Tariff Proposal on Foreign Films
Donald Trump proposed a 100% tariff on movies produced in foreign countries, claiming that the American film industry is compromised by international competition and posing a national security threat. This idea hinges on the belief that other nations are using tax incentives to lure filmmakers away from Hollywood, impacting domestic production. However, concerns arise about the practical implications of such a tax, including what specifically would be taxed and how it would affect the already complex film distribution landscape. The proposal highlights a fundamental misunderstanding of trade deficits, as the U.S. films remain a net export and experience a surplus in the global market.
