Whoopi Goldberg Slams Trump’s Tariff Plan on Overseas Films: “Please Stop”

The EGOT winner criticizes Donald Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign-made movies, calling it damaging to creativity, global collaboration, and America’s cultural influence.

New York, May 7:
Whoopi Goldberg has a clear message for Donald Trump: “Please stop.” The outspoken host of “The View” and Hollywood legend fired back at Trump’s recent proposal to slap a 100% tariff on films produced overseas, calling it misguided and potentially harmful to the American entertainment industry.

“Okay, look, you can’t do that,” Goldberg said during Monday’s broadcast, reacting to Trump’s social media post where he claimed to have authorized the U.S. Trade Representative and Commerce Department to begin work on the tariff plan. “That equates to telling me how to write a story if it happens in Europe. Please — lower the price of eggs before you start this.”

Goldberg, an EGOT winner, passionately defended international filmmaking and collaboration: “When we go abroad to work, we work with local talent. We don’t import entire crews. So, who exactly will this tariff be on? The production? The studio? It’s ridiculous.”

She warned that such a policy would limit creative freedom and international engagement: “Don’t stop us from filming overseas. Instead, offer better incentives here in the U.S. That’s how you bring productions home.”

Adding a cultural perspective, Goldberg said, “Movies teach people English. They show what America is to people who may never set foot here. Imposing a tax like this says we’re not good enough. But we are — we’re the best in the world.”

The White House clarified that no final decisions have been made regarding Trump’s directive, saying the administration is still “exploring all options” to protect national and economic security while “Making Hollywood Great Again.”

The idea reportedly came after actor Jon Voight and producer Steven Paul presented Trump with a comprehensive plan aimed at revitalizing the entertainment industry. Their proposal includes tax incentives, job training programs, and infrastructure subsidies, with tariffs suggested only in “limited circumstances.”

Voight, who is among three “special ambassadors” appointed by Trump to address Hollywood matters — alongside Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson — stated: “The President loves the entertainment business and this country. He’ll help us make Hollywood great again.”

While Trump’s proposal has stirred confusion and concern across Hollywood, voices like Goldberg’s are amplifying the industry’s skepticism and calling for more sustainable solutions — not shock policies that may disrupt a global creative ecosystem.