President Trump Blames 'Grossly Incompetent' Newsom For Hollywood's Problems When Defending Movie Tariffs

US President Donald Trump

Trump Blames 'Grossly Incompetent' Newsom for Hollywood Decline While Defending Movie Tariffs

Washington, D.C. — May 6, 2025

In a striking rebuke from the Oval Office, former President Donald Trump blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom for what he called the "collapse" of Hollywood’s film industry, describing Newsom as “grossly incompetent” while defending his proposal for tariffs targeting foreign-made movies.

During a press briefing, Trump said that the U.S. film industry has been “decimated” by both international competition and domestic mismanagement, singling out Newsom as a key contributor to the decline of California’s once-thriving movie business.

“The governor is a grossly incompetent man,” Trump said. “He’s just allowed it [the film industry] to be taken away... Hollywood doesn’t do very much of that business anymore. They have the nice sign and everything’s good, but they don’t do very much.”

Trump’s comments come amid mounting criticism over his call to implement tariffs on films produced outside the United States. He argues the move is essential to restoring domestic film production and bringing back jobs that have shifted overseas.

“Other countries are giving financing, incentives—everything—to steal our industry,” he added. “We used to do 100% of the business here. Now we do very little. It's shocking.”

While specific details of the proposed tariffs remain unclear, Trump emphasized that his goal is not to hurt the industry but to revitalize it. He mentioned plans to meet with key stakeholders in Hollywood to ensure the policy is "pro-job" and supportive of American talent and production.

“We’re going to meet with the industry. I want to make sure they’re happy with it because we’re all about jobs,” Trump said. “It’s an industry that’s abandoned the USA, where it started. And we’ll get it back.”

Governor Newsom’s office has not yet responded to Trump’s remarks. However, political analysts suggest this attack is part of a broader strategy to nationalize economic concerns tied to cultural industries ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

Trump’s proposed tariffs would mark a significant shift in how the U.S. approaches global media trade, potentially disrupting international partnerships and affecting streaming giants and film studios alike.

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FAQs: Trump’s Movie Tariffs and Criticism of Gavin Newsom

1. What did Donald Trump say about Governor Gavin Newsom and Hollywood?
Trump called California Governor Gavin Newsom "grossly incompetent," blaming him for allowing Hollywood’s film industry to decline and shift overseas.

2. Why is Trump proposing tariffs on movies?
Trump claims that foreign governments are subsidizing movie production in their countries, taking jobs and business away from the U.S. He believes tariffs will level the playing field and bring film jobs back to America.

3. How does Trump believe the movie industry has been “decimated”?
According to Trump, America once produced nearly all of its films domestically but now does "very little," with many productions relocating due to better incentives abroad.

4. Will Trump’s tariffs target all foreign films?
Details remain unclear, but Trump suggested he would consult with industry leaders to ensure the policy supports U.S. jobs without severely harming the industry.

5. What impact could movie tariffs have on Hollywood and the global film industry?
Tariffs could disrupt international co-productions, increase film costs, and strain partnerships between American and foreign studios. However, Trump argues they would encourage more domestic production and job growth.

6. How has Governor Newsom responded to Trump's remarks?
As of now, Newsom has not publicly responded to Trump’s latest comments. Political observers expect a rebuttal in the coming days.

7. Is this part of a broader Trump campaign strategy?
Many analysts believe Trump’s criticism is aimed at energizing his base ahead of the 2026 midterms by framing cultural and economic issues around American industry and job loss.

8. When will Trump meet with industry leaders to discuss the tariff plan?
No specific date has been announced, but Trump indicated that meetings are being planned soon to gather feedback and shape the policy.