Director Wes Anderson drew attention this week at the Cannes Film Festival — not for his new film, The Phoenician Scheme, but for comments he made about President Donald Trump’s trade policies that revealed a lack of understanding about basic economics, as reported by The Western Journal.

While speaking at a press conference in Cannes, France, Anderson was asked about Trump’s proposed 100% tariffs and their potential impact on international film distribution.

The director responded by expressing confusion and attempting to mock the policy, only to admit he didn’t fully grasp the concept.

“The tariff is fascinating because the 100 percent tariff, I’ve never heard of a 100 percent tariff before,” Anderson said.

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“I’m not an expert in that area of economics, but I feel that means, he’s saying he’s going to take all the money, and then what do we what do we get?”

Anderson continued:

“So it’s complicated to me. … Like, can you hold up the movie in customs? It doesn’t ship that way. So I just don’t know. I’m not sure.”

The comments came off as an attempt to score points with the Cannes audience, which included numerous left-leaning attendees and media representatives.

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However, Anderson’s remarks quickly circulated online, drawing criticism for revealing a basic misunderstanding of tariffs — a central issue in Trump’s economic policy since 2016.

Tariffs, by definition, are import taxes imposed on foreign goods. A 100% tariff would effectively double the cost of a product imported into the United States, placing economic pressure on foreign producers and governments.

Trump has used tariffs to pressure countries like China, Mexico, and members of the European Union in trade negotiations and to address trade imbalances.

Trump’s proposed 100% tariffs have recently drawn headlines as part of broader enforcement policies under his administration, particularly targeting industries where American competitors have been undercut by foreign subsidies and market manipulation.

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While some figures in the entertainment industry have chosen to stay out of political discourse, Anderson opted to comment on a policy area he acknowledged he didn’t understand.

By contrast, actor Tom Cruise recently declined to answer a politically charged question during a press stop in South Korea, instead refocusing attention on his film.

Anderson has not issued further comment or clarification since the press conference.

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