MAGA’s Most-Vilified Democrat Signals Conditional Support for Trump’s Movie Tariff

After years of criticizing former President Donald Trump, California Senator Adam Schiff has shown cautious acceptance to his latest economic measure, a 100% tariff on foreign films. Schiff’s nuanced backing shows unexpected common ground with Trump on restarting American film production, with crucial protections.

Trump claimed on social media that foreign films have harmed U.S. filmmaking, calling it “stealing candy from a baby.” He blamed California and its governor for being disproportionately hurt by offshore production. He claimed the tariff would boost domestic filmmaking.

Schiff commented on social media saying he “strongly support[s] bringing movie making back to California and the U.S.” He quickly cautioned against an across-the-board levy, citing unexpected implications. Instead, he suggested Congress pass a bipartisan film incentive to restore production jobs without upsetting the sector. Schiff said he will work with the administration and bipartisan senators to pass a strong federal film tax credit.

The senator’s posture differs from his customary confrontational tone with Trump. Schiff is a regular target of MAGA opponents, some asking for investigations or prosecutions, but his recent words imply he supports reviving America’s creative sectors under Trump’s economic program.

Still, major legal, economic, and practical difficulties remain. Filmmaking is global and digital, so analysts wonder how a 100% tariff would work. International co-production and digital distribution are common in modern films. Trade experts fear that such a broad levy might exacerbate retaliation or backfire on U.S. studios because to legal uncertainty.

Beyond Schiff, several California Democrats protested. Governor Newsom called the measure “100% stupid,” threatening the domestic film sector. Eric Swalwell laughed off Trump’s approach with an acronym.

Still, the drama created a rare convergence opportunity. Schiff’s conditional acceptance shifts the discourse from resistance to productive policy options. That may lead to legislative progress or delay due to economic uncertainty and political brinksmanship.

Sources
AP News
Reuters
The Hollywood Reporter
Variety
The Los Angeles Times