George Clooney says Trump should create incentives, not tariffs, for movie industry By Reuters
Key Takeaways
- George Clooney criticized President Trump's proposed 100% tariff on foreign films as the wrong solution.
- Clooney stated that the loss of film industry jobs from California is due to a lack of proper federal tax incentives.
- He suggested that implementing federal tax incentives matching those in states like New York or Louisiana would be a better solution.
- The comments were made before the annual Albies awards ceremony in London, which recognizes human rights defenders.
- The Albies honored several individuals, including Melinda French Gates, Marty Baron, and Darren Walker.
George Clooney voiced his disapproval of U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States, stating it was an incorrect remedy for a real concern within the film industry. Clooney made these remarks in London ahead of the annual Albies awards ceremony, which he and his wife Amal established to recognize human rights advocates globally. While acknowledging that movie industry jobs were indeed departing California, Clooney argued the cause was the absence of proper federal tax incentives, unlike those offered by states such as New York. He suggested that if Trump were to implement federal incentives comparable to those available in Louisiana, New Jersey, and New York, it would significantly aid in keeping production jobs domestically. The Albies ceremony celebrated several distinguished honorees, including Melinda French Gates for her work in women's health, Marty Baron for media leadership, and Darren Walker for stabilizing non-profits during the pandemic through a social bond. Other recipients included activists Fatou Baldeh and journalist Jose Ruben Zamora.
