Days after announcing plans to impose 100 percent tariffs on films made outside the U.S., Donald Trump said that the James Bond films would be exempt from the tariffs. The U.S President made headlines with the announcement earlier this week, citing national security concerns and a decline in the American film industry.
Trump claimed foreign governments are luring U.S. filmmakers abroad with incentives. He called it a “concerted effort” that threatens both the economy and American messaging.
Also Read: Trump Says Countries Are ‘Kissing’ His As* to Sign Trade Deals amid Tariff Negotiations
Despite the proposal, Trump clarified that the iconic James Bond films would be exempt from these tariffs. He reminisced about his friendship with the late Sean Connery. He credited the actor with assisting him in securing zoning permissions for a golf course in Aberdeen, Scotland.
“Sean Connery was a friend of mine. Sean Connery was responsible for getting zoning in Aberdeen. He said, ‘Let the bloody bloke build his golf courses.’ I was like four years into the process, and it was impossible in Aberdeen… He was a great guy, Sean Connery,” he added.
Sean Connery was the first actor to portray Agent 007 in the movie adaptations of the novels by Ian Fleming.
In 2020, Scottish officials called out Trump about Sean Connery’s involvement in the deal. “Mr. Connery was not involved in the due process that led to the granting of planning permission for a golf resort at Menie,” said an official.
Make Hollywood Great Again
Actor Jon Voight pitched the idea, prompting Trump to decide to impose the tariffs on films shot outside the U.S. Angelina Jolie’s dad is one of Trump’s newly appointed ambassadors to Hollywood. A “comprehensive plan” that outlined the changes they believe are needed to boost domestic film production was submitted.
Amid uncertainty following Trump’s initial announcement, the White House clarified that it has not yet made any final decisions regarding tariffs on films. A spokesperson stated, “The Administration is considering all options to fulfill President Trump’s directive to protect our national and economic security while Making Hollywood Great Again.”
