Australia’s ambassador to the U.S., Kevin Rudd, has expressed strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on foreign films, notably describing it as a “tax on Bluey,” a beloved Australian children’s show. Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, Rudd highlighted the absurdity of such tariffs, questioning the impact of competitive tariffs on cultural exchange through films. He passionately argued against creating barriers that could hinder global understanding, advocating instead for a more open market for films.
Trump’s recent proposal aims to impose a staggering 100 per cent tariff on all movies produced outside the U.S., supposedly to safeguard Hollywood’s interests. However, the practical implementation of such a tariff raises concerns, as films are classified as intellectual property rather than physical goods, complicating any taxation attempts.
In addition to his critique of the film tariffs, Rudd pointedly mocked the recent 10 per cent tariffs on the Heard and McDonald Islands, an Australian territory situated near Antarctica, stating, “If you’ve seen the other great Australian movie, Happy Feet, those penguins have just been tariffed.” He quipped about the potential for a sequel titled “Unhappy Feet,” suggesting that animated penguins might one day march on Washington in protest.
The Milken Institute conference attracted numerous influential business leaders, including Elon Musk, who is known to be a supporter of Trump. Overall, Rudd’s remarks underscore a growing apprehension about the ramifications of protectionist policies on cultural exchange and the shared appreciation of global entertainment.