Donald Trump says James Bond is safe from new film tariffs, cites Sean Connery¡¯s support and friendship in defense; here¡¯s what we know
Donald Trump says his 100% foreign film tariff won't impact the James Bond franchise. The entertainment industry awaits clarity on how the plan will be executed, as Amazon now controls the iconic series. The White House says no final decision is made yet.
US President Donald Trump has addressed growing concerns over his proposal for a 100 per cent tariff on films produced outside the United States. While speaking at a press conference, Trump reassured fans of the James Bond franchise that the iconic spy films would not be affected by the policy. "But James Bond has nothing to worry about, that I can tell you," he said, as reported by entertainment magazine Variety.
Trump recalls Sean Connery¡¯s support for his golf plans
In the same briefing, Trump reminisced about his personal connection with the late Sean Connery, the first actor to portray James Bond on screen. Trump credited Connery with helping him get zoning approval for his golf course project in Aberdeen, Scotland. ¡°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,¡± Trump added.
Industry uncertain over How Tariffs will be enforced
Trump first announced the proposed 100 per cent tariff on his platform, Truth Social, earlier this month. He justified the move by calling foreign-produced films a ¡°national security threat,¡± citing what he described as a ¡°concerted effort by other nations.¡± He said agencies like the Department of Commerce would begin implementation immediately, though no details were given on how the tariffs would be calculated or enforced.
The proposal has created uncertainty across the entertainment industry. Key questions remain unanswered¡ªsuch as whether the tariffs would apply to streaming platforms, how co-productions would be treated, or whether the calculation would be based on production budgets or total revenue.
US President Donald Trump | Credit: X
White House: No final decision yet on Tariff execution
Amid the confusion, the White House released a statement to clarify the administration¡¯s position. ¡°No final decisions have been made,¡± a spokesperson said, adding that the administration is ¡°exploring all options to deliver on President Trump¡¯s directive to safeguard our country¡¯s national and economic security while making Hollywood great again.¡±
Amazon now controls James Bond franchise direction
Meanwhile, the James Bond franchise continues to evolve. In February, Amazon MGM Studios took over creative control of the series from Eon Productions. As per Variety, the new agreement allows Amazon to make major decisions about the franchise¡¯s future, including who will take on the role of James Bond next. Created by author Ian Fleming in 1953, Bond has remained a consistent figure in cinema since 1962.
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Nancy Jaiswal is a journalist who started her career in reporting and has covered both hard and soft news. From serious city news developments to lighthearted lifestyle pieces, she has written on almost everything hapenning in India (except maybe alien invasions¡ªyet!). For her, writing isn¡¯t just work; it¡¯s a passion, an obsession, and sometimes the reason she forgets to reply to texts.
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