President Trump slams Newsom after California governor proposes federal film tax credit to “Make America Film Again”

President Trump has once again taken aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom, this time in response to Newsom’s plea for federal collaboration on a film tax credit. Newsom had expressed the need for a partnership to boost the state’s film industry, citing the success of state incentives in creating jobs. However, Trump’s recent announcement of imposing 100% tariffs on foreign-produced films has sparked controversy in the entertainment industry.

The film industry has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Hollywood strikes. Despite efforts to revive production, there has been a significant drop in activity since 2024. Last year, Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass proposed a substantial increase in California’s annual film tax credit, highlighting the importance of supporting the industry.

During a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump criticized Newsom for his handling of the film industry, blaming him for its decline. He referred to Newsom as “grossly incompetent” and accused him of driving the industry away from the U.S. However, Trump also expressed a desire to work with film industry executives to address their concerns about the proposed tariffs.

In addition to his comments on the film industry, Trump took a swipe at Newsom’s management of the California High-Speed Rail project, calling it a costly and unnecessary endeavor. Despite his criticisms, Trump acknowledged his past positive relationship with Newsom and briefly mentioned his assistance during the January wildfires.

Trump’s visit to Los Angeles in the aftermath of the devastating fires provided him with a firsthand view of the destruction. He emphasized the need for effective disaster response and criticized Newsom for not heeding his advice on water management. Despite his criticisms, Trump expressed a level of empathy for the challenges faced by Californians in the wake of the natural disasters.

In closing, Trump issued a challenge to Newsom, suggesting that he should run for president from the opposing party. While acknowledging Newsom’s shortcomings, Trump hinted at the possibility of a political showdown between the two leaders. The contentious relationship between the president and the governor underscores the ongoing tensions between federal and state authorities in addressing key issues such as the film industry and disaster response.