BREAKING: At Cannes 2025, Spike Lee Slams Trump’s Economic Tariffs and Rallies Behind Taylor Swift After President’s Strange Remark her American Values

Spike Lee at Cannes 2025: Blasts Trump’s Tariffs, Defends Harris Against Bizarre ‘American Values’ Comment

CANNES, France – The 78th Cannes Film Festival, already buzzing with cinematic prestige, took a sharp political turn this week as acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee used his platform to deliver a fiery critique of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on foreign-made films while also voicing unwavering support for Vice President Kamala Harris. Lee’s remarks, delivered during a press conference for his new film Highest 2 Lowest, came in response to Trump’s recent announcement of a 100% tariff on international films and a cryptic comment questioning Harris’s commitment to “American values.” The director’s outspoken commentary has once again solidified his reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to wade into the political fray.

Trump’s Tariffs Stir Controversy at Cannes

Just days before the festival kicked off on May 12, 2025, Trump sent shockwaves through the global film industry with his plan to impose a 100% tariff on “foreign-made films” as part of an effort to “make Hollywood great again.” The announcement, reported by outlets like DW and The Hollywood Reporter, has cast a shadow over Cannes, a festival renowned for celebrating international cinema. Industry insiders expressed dismay, with many arguing that the tariffs could disrupt the global film market, limit cultural exchange, and hurt independent filmmakers who rely on international co-productions.

At a press conference, Lee didn’t hold back. “I don’t know how much we can talk about American values when the guy in charge is trying to slap a 100% tariff on films that don’t even get a fair shake,” he said, his voice dripping with disdain. “This is about art, not trade wars. You can’t put a price on stories that connect us, that show us who we are as people, not just Americans.” Lee’s comments echoed sentiments from other festival attendees, including Robert De Niro, who called Trump “America’s philistine president” for threatening the arts with economic policies.

The proposed tariffs, which include a vaguely defined “American cultural test” for films to qualify for U.S. tax breaks, have sparked fears of a chilling effect on creativity. Lee, whose own work often tackles systemic issues and cultural identity, argued that such policies undermine the diversity of voices that Cannes celebrates. “You’re telling me a film from Nigeria, France, or Japan can’t speak to American audiences? That’s nonsense. That’s not what cinema’s about,” he said, drawing applause from the international press corps.

Defending Harris Against Trump’s “Bizarre” Remark

Lee’s remarks took an even sharper turn when addressing Trump’s recent comment about Vice President Kamala Harris, in which he suggested she didn’t embody “American values.” The statement, widely described as bizarre and inflammatory, prompted Lee to leap to Harris’s defense. “Kamala Harris is out here working for the people, fighting for justice, for fairness, for progress,” Lee said. “And this man has the nerve to question her values? I don’t know what ‘American values’ he’s talking about, considering who’s sitting in that office.”

The director’s support for Harris aligns with his long history of advocating for social justice and representation. Harris, who has been vocal about the economic risks of Trump’s tariff policies, recently warned that they could “invite a recession.” Lee echoed her concerns, framing the tariffs as part of a broader pattern of divisiveness. “This isn’t about protecting American jobs; it’s about controlling what stories get told. And Kamala gets that. She’s fighting for a future where everyone’s voice matters,” he said.

Highest 2 Lowest and Lee’s Cannes Legacy

Lee’s presence at Cannes 2025 is tied to his latest collaboration with Denzel Washington, Highest 2 Lowest, screening out of competition. The film, described as a gritty exploration of power and redemption, has already garnered buzz for its bold narrative and stellar performances. Lee’s return to Cannes, where he previously received a 10-minute ovation for BlacKkKlansman in 2018, underscores his enduring influence.

His outspokenness this year, however, has arguably stolen the spotlight. Lee’s critique of Trump and defense of Harris come at a time when the festival is grappling with broader tensions, including the war in Ukraine and global political polarization. Yet, as Scott Roxborough of The Hollywood Reporter noted, “Nobody wants to be talking about tariffs and Trump here,” highlighting the industry’s desire to focus on art over politics. Lee, however, sees no separation between the two. “Cinema is political,” he said. “You don’t get to tell stories that matter without taking a stand.”

A Festival Under Siege

Cannes 2025 has been marked by a sense of unease, with Trump’s tariffs dominating conversations among filmmakers, sales agents, and journalists. The festival opened with a tribute to Ukraine, a nod to global solidarity, but the specter of trade wars has loomed large. Actors like Pedro Pascal have also spoken out, urging filmmakers to resist “fear politics” in the face of such policies.

For Lee, the fight is personal. Known for calling Trump “Agent Orange” in the past, he remains unapologetic in his critique. “I’m not here to play nice,” he said. “I’m here to tell the truth. And the truth is, these tariffs are a threat to what we do, and Kamala Harris is one of the few standing up to say so.”

As Cannes continues, Lee’s words resonate as both a rallying cry and a warning. In a festival that thrives on the universal language of film, his message is clear: art cannot be confined by borders or tariffs, and leaders like Harris are essential to preserving that freedom. With Highest 2 Lowest poised to make waves and Lee’s political fire igniting debates, Cannes 2025 is proving to be as much a battleground for ideas as it is a celebration of cinema.