Tag Archives: donald trump

Nintendo Sues the Trump Administration Over Tariffs

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Nintendo has joined hundreds of corporations suing the Trump Administration to get back tariffs paid.  Those tariffs were deemed illegal by the U.S. Supreme Court towards the end of February.

Nintendo is an interesting court case as it not only can show “injury” from the tariffs paid, but it not only raised prices, it delayed pre-orders for the Switch 2.

Nintendo is asking for a refund of the IEEPA duties paid along with interest, reasonable attorney fees, and granting any more relief that might be “just and proper.”

The question still remains if consumers will see any relief from this whether in the form of getting money back, especially those who paid tariffs directly, or in lower retail prices.

Customs and Border Protection Says it Can’t Comply with the Court’s Tariff Refund Order

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Towards the end of February, the Supreme Court struck down tariffs enacted by the Trump administration. The vote was 6-3 and generally the justices ruled that Trump exceeded the powers given to him by Congress under a 1977 law providing the President the authority to regulate commerce during national emergencies that are due to foreign threats. What was undecided at the time was what should happen to all of the money paid already due to the tariffs.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has told a Court of International Trade judge that it isn’t able to comply with an order to begin refunding the reciprocal tariffs. The CBP said in their response that the estimated amount related to the tariffs is “approximately $166 billion.” According to the filing over 330,000 importers have made over 53 million entries.

The court response, which you can read below, involves the CBP process and when things are go through it, focusing on “liquidation.” “Liquidation” is the finalization of the total tariff amount owed. Senior Judge Richard Eaton had ordered the CBP to liquidate unprocessed entries and reliquidate those that have been processed but not finalized.

The refund that has been ordered focuses on shippers who paid the IEEPA tariffs on imports that have not been finalized via liquidation, a process that can take around 300 days. You can read some thoughts on the complexity of the situation here.

The Trump administration has been sued by hundreds of corporations looking to be refunded for the tariffs that have been paid under the IEEPA.

What also remains unanswered is if consumers will see any relief either in money returned or retail prices going down. Corporations passed along the increased cost of doing business to consumers who saw price increases at the store and some have been hit with tariffs directly when ordering internationally.

Pokémon responds to the White House using Pokopia to Promote MAGA

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Because we live in the dumbest timeline, The Pokémon Company has released a statement regarding the White House using the Pokopia font generator to promote “Make America Great Again.”

The Pokémon Company of course distanced itself stating:

We are aware of recent social content that includes imagery associated with our brand. We were not involved in its creation or distribution, and no permission was granted for the use of our intellectual property. Our mission is to bring the world together, and that mission is not affiliated with any political viewpoint or agenda.

The administration has regularly used pop culture to promote their agenda, often against the wishes of the creators behind it.

Hasbro is Suing the Government Over the IEEPA Tariffs

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Hasbro

Hasbro has joined hundreds of companies suing the Federal Government to get refunds for the tariffs paid due to President Trump’s “emergency trade measures.” Those tariffs were deemed illegal by the U.S. Supreme Court towards the end of February.

Hasbro did not disclose how much it has paid in IEEPA tariffs but it is requesting refunds along with interest. There’s more than 2,000 similar cases filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade since April.

In July 2025, Hasbro’s CEO warned that prices could rise due to the tariffs. Then did so in the second half of the year though it didn’t dent sales. Revenue for the company jumped 31% to $1.45 billion beating expectations. Its profit was $201.6 million for the last three months of 2025. The increase in retail prices varied resulting in an additional 10% to 20% to the cost of items.

At the end of February, the Supreme Court struck down the tariffs in a 6-3 vote. An estimated $200 billion has been paid due to them. Tariffs are a tax that is put on goods imported into the country. It could be raw materials or finished products.

In a report it was estimated that 90% or more of the tariff’s cost was paid by US firms and consumers with the average tariff in 2025 going from 2.6% to 13%. Corporations are unlikely to eat all of that cost, so it is then passed along to consumers in the form of paying for the tariffs directly or by increased prices.

In a recent order, it was increased by a little over $5 for me, about 10% of the pre-tax price of the item which was a toy. Retailers have had to raise their prices to consumers with many making statements they would be doing so.

There are numerous lawsuits against the government and Trump administration by corporations to recoup the money paid for tariffs, it’s unknown how this Supreme Court decision will impact that.

It’s also unknown if consumers will see any relief in prices due to this decision. It’s not common for corporations to lower prices once they have been raised, so it’s possible the increase retail prices will remain, especially in a continuing uncertain economic outlook.

GAMA releases a Statement regarding the Supreme Court’s Decision to Strike Down IEEPA Tariffs

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GAMA: The Tabletop Game Association (GAMA)

On Friday, the US Supreme Court struck down President Trump‘s tariffs set under the International Emergency Economic Power Act. What this means for all of the tariffs already collected is unknown and the impact on retail prices are also unknown.

The decision was praised by numerous publishers and organizations within the geek and entertainment space. GAMA: The Tabletop Game Association released the below statement yesterday:

GAMA: The Tabletop Game Association applauds today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court which struck down the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), ruling that he had exceeded his authority in doing so.

Trump promptly announced he would re-impose the tariffs through other methods.

The Supreme Court issued its 6-3 decision in the case of Learning Resources Inc. et al v Trump, which had been consolidated with the case Trump v V.O.S. Solutions. GAMA had filed an amicus brief in the case in support of Learning Solutions and V.O.S., challenging this presidential overreach. GAMA argued that in the IEEPA, Congress had never intended to delegate such sweeping economic powers to the executive branch. 

In his majority ruling, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. agreed, writing: “The president asserts the extraordinary power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited amount, duration, and scope. In light of the breadth, history, and constitutional context of that asserted authority, he must identify clear congressional authorization to exercise it.”

GAMA is interested in hearing from any members who would like to share their stories of how the illegal IEEPA tariffs impacted their business, so we can maintain a record of how the tariffs have hurt our industry. Click here to contact the GAMA Communications Team if you are interested. Please let us know if you are also willing to have your story shared on our social channels and in advocacy communications, which will help us put faces and names to the harm these tariffs have done and help amplify the message that Congress needs to take action against future efforts to impose similar tariffs. 

It may be possible for companies that paid tariffs to apply for refunds. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged last September on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that the agency would issue refunds if ordered to do so by the Supreme Court. GAMA is researching how businesses in our industry that paid tariffs could apply for refunds and will share information as we have it. 

GAMA’s support for Learning Resources and V.O.S. Solutions stems from a shared commitment to constitutional governance and economic stability. The unchecked use of IEEPA to alter tariffs threatened not only businesses but the very principle of separation of powers enshrined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution. 

GAMA continues to monitor the Trump administration’s actions regarding tariffs.

The Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Tariffs

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By Joe Ravi, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16959908
By Joe Ravi, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16959908

The economic situation has been tenuous at best and during President Trump’s second term, even more frightful with his focus on a tariff war with most of the world. The Supreme Court on Friday struck down those tariffs which Trump enacted through executive order. The vote was 6-3 and generally the justices ruled that Trump exceeded the powers given to him by Congress under a 1977 law providing the President the authority to regulate commerce during national emergencies that are due to foreign threats.

What is still undecided is what should happen to all of the money paid as tariffs already, an estimated $200 billion.

Tariffs are a tax that is put on goods imported into the country. It could be raw materials or finished products.

In a report it was estimated that 90% or more of the tariff’s cost was paid by US firms and consumers with the average tariff in 2025 going from 2.6% to 13%. Corporations are unlikely to eat all of that cost, so it is then passed along to consumers in the form of paying for the tariffs directly or by increased prices.

In a recent order, it was increased by a little over $5 for me, about 10% of the pre-tax price of the item which was a toy. Retailers have had to raise their prices to consumers with many making statements they would be doing so.

There are numerous lawsuits against the government and Trump administration by corporations to recoup the money paid for tariffs, it’s unknown how this Supreme Court decision will impact that.

It’s also unknown if consumers will see any relief in prices due to this decision. It’s not common for corporations to lower prices once they have been raised, so it’s possible the increase retail prices will remain, especially in a continuing uncertain economic outlook.

Paramount Skydance Launches a Hostile Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery

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Warner Bros.

The move was telegraphed with their press releases when the deal between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery was announced, Paramount Skydance has launched a last-ditch effort to win out.

On Friday, a deal was announced where Netflix would purchase the Warner Bros. part of Warner Bros. Discovery for about $82.7 billion. Netflix would purchase the Warner Bros. film and television studios, HBO, and HBO Max. That leaves out Warner Bros. Discovery’s cable television properties which currently would be spun out into their own company.

Paramount is offering $30 a share, about $2.25 more per share than Netflix’s offer. That deal includes financing from Affinity Partners, the investment firm run by Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-on-law as well as multiple Middle Eastern government-run investment funds, as well as the Ellison family.

Paramount’s argument is that they would be purchasing all of Warner Bros. Discovery, while Netflix would be just purchasing part of it. It also argues the deal is in the “best interest of the creative community, movie theaters, and consumers.” There is concern of Netflix, the top streaming platform purchasing HBO Max, the third largest, and merging the two.

But, if Paramount Skydance succeeding, it would have its own consumer/antitrust issues as they would consolidate television and have a greater market share than Walt Disney Co.

There’s further concerns that the Ellisons have imposed a more conservative bent over their recent purchases including the appointment of conservative management over CBS News.

The x-factor in the deal is how much President Trump’s government weighs in on the deal. There are concerns from the creative community as well as on behalf of consumers that the Netflix purchase would have a negative effect. Add in that Paramount Skydance, and its owners the Ellisons are close with the Trump administration. There is the possibility that “the fix is in” and the government could oppose Netflix’s plan to throw the deal to the Ellisons by default, especially if Trump’s son-in-law is part of it.

Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix Cut a Deal. The Least Terrible of Options?

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Netlfix

In September, rumors swirled that Paramount Skydance and the Ellisons were looking to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery. WBD was in the process of splitting back into two distinct companies. From there, more suitors entered the picture with Netflix and Comcast both stepping in with their own proposals. Netflix has (currently) won the process, announcing in a press release the details of the deal.

Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix have announced an agreement that would see a deal involving cash and stock, at $27.75 per WBD share ($23.25 in cash and $4.50 in shares of Netflix stock per WBD share). The total deal is about $82.7 billion and expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.

In the announcement, Netflix highlighted franchises and shows such as The Big Bang Theory, The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, The Wizard of Oz, and the DC Universe. It also highlighted Casablanca, Citizen Kane, Harry Potter, and Friends. It was believed Netflix was pursuing the purchase as its future was unclear when it came to franchises it controls. Stranger Things‘ final season recently released, and beyond K-Pop Demon Hunters, big blockbusters are elusive. WBD would give Netflix a deep bench to add to its streaming platform as well as spin out into new films and series.

The deal is far from done as it would need regulatory approval and there’s already alarms being raised with the word “monopoly” being thrown around. It would have Netflix acquiring HBO Max, which is reported as the third largest streaming service, with Netflix being first. In the announcement it mentioned how the new properties would be available to Netflix subscribers playing into rumors that Netflix would fold HBO Max into its streaming service, consolidating that market and leaving fewer choices for consumers.

While it would “save” consumers money in that they wouldn’t need to purchase two streaming services, it would also be a “captured” audience allowing to Netflix to eventually raise their prices claiming the “value” with the added content. Netflix increased the cost to its subscriptions earlier this year after raising prices in 2024 when it eliminated its cheapest ad-free option.

Warner Bros. Discovery’s global networks division, Discovery Global, would still spin out into a new publicly-traded company, so Netflix’s deal isn’t for all of WBD.

While the boards of both Netflix and WBD voted “unanimously” to approve the deal, the Ellisons and Paramount Skydance are not giving up and have been going with a full court press to sour the deal.

Paramount claimed the deal was unfair and tilted towards Netflix:

…sales process has been tainted by management conflicts, including certain members of management’s potential personal interests in post-transaction roles and compensation as a result of the economic incentives embedded in recent amendments to employment arrangements.

The deal is the best of the worst. It consolidates the media landscape further, always a loss for consumers and individuals in the industry who will have fewer choices and options. Mergers tend to lead to mass layoffs to help with savings, decreasing the debt load by decreasing operational costs.

But, there are some bright spots. DC Comics, which would be picked up by Netflix in the deal, is likely safter with Netflix in charge. Netflix has made it clear it’s looking for properties and franchises as its current landscape of original movies and series is unclear. DC Comics, its characters, and newly launched revamped movie universe, provides endless stories and characters to adapt for television and films.

In 2017, Netflix bought Mark Millar‘s Millarworld in hopes of turning it into a franchise machine with films, series, and kids’ shows exclusively on the streaming platform. The result has been a trickle of projects and I think most would agree the deal was a bust for Netflix. While Millarworld comics were originally released by Image, in 2023 they shifted over to Dark Horse where releases have been steady. With the acquisition of DC, it’s not a stretch to see the imprint moving again to that publisher. Netflix and Dark Horse have had a two way partnership. They extended an agreement that granted the streaming service priority rights to intellectual property from Dark Horse. While a few properties were mentioned, little has come of it post the announcement and a few projects were released under a previous agreement. However, Dark Horse has been the publisher of comics based on Stranger Things which streams on Netflix. It’s unknown what the future holds when it comes to that and Netflix owning DC could change things in the far future.

Netflix has also been at arms length when it comes to theaters. It’s unclear how this deal will impact that after the deal closes and obligations wrap up. Netflix has had limited theater engagements and then had those films only be available on their platform. But, they’ve also had a property like K-Pop Demon Hunters blow up on their platform and then release in theaters for limited engagements. Things will shift if this deal closes but it’s unknown exactly how. Theaters will likely be a loser in the deal. Netflix will likely keep what it thinks will be a draw for subscribers but go to theaters for films it’s less sure about and will need theatrical releases to help cover costs.

In a win for consumers, it prevents the Ellisons from bringing their current dark cloud to more media. Under their recent purchase, they have quickly tilted the media to a more conservative bent including appointing controversial individuals to oversee news divisions like CBS. Bari Weiss is now the editor-in-chief of CBS News and her conservative media company The Free Press was purchased by Paramount Skydance in a $150 million deal. There was concern the Ellisons taking over WBD would tilt news channels such as CNN as well as other media channels with Weis overseeing them as well.

Paramount appointed Trump’s former ambassador to Japan and conservative Kenneth Weinstein to oversee CBS News as “an independent, internal advocate for journalistic integrity and transparency, reviewing concerns raised by employees and viewers, addressing questions about news coverage, and upholding the organization’s longstanding commitment to accuracy and accountability.” That appointment was part of the agreement from Trump’s FCC to approve the Skydance and Paramount merger. They also agreed to pay $16 million to Trump’s foundation to settle a lawsuit he brought against the company last year. The company is also under fire for agreeing to provide free airtime to Trump. There’s also the canceling of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert which is believed to have been done to appease the Trump administration.

The Netflix WBD acquisition will need to get approved by the Trump administration. That might be difficult. Netflix gaining HBO Max will raise concerns of consolidation in the streaming market. The Ellisons could also go scorched earth leaning into their contacts in the Trump administration which they are very friendly with and throw a wrench into the process. Still, Netflix has deep pockets and could push back.

In the Age of Trump, Corporations Have Shown their Weakness. Let’s Exploit it.

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Disney

This week, Disney owned ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel‘s show indefinitely for jokes surrounding the murder of rightwing martyr Charlie Kirk. The suspension came after Nexstar and Sinclair both said they would not air the show in protest and threats by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr of investigations. It is not only the latest example of government authoritarian overreach by the Trump administration, a clear violation of the first amendment, but further proof of the greed of US corporations who care only for further gain and further dollars. But, that also show’s their weaknesses. They are beholden to corporate profits. They don’t care about about causes, they care about how they can maximize their profits through those causes. We already generally knew this was the case, but it’s on full display and any pretense is gone.

Impact those profits with swift and deep boycotts and protests and change can happen.

The likelihood of deep nationwide work stoppages are unlikely, too many individuals live paycheck to paycheck, a reported 67%, and are beholden to their employers for benefits like healthcare. They don’t have vacation days to spend or the ability to take time off without putting themselves at risk. That is a “feature” of the current economic system, not a bug.

With the unlikelihood of sustained, multi-day, mass protests with economic impact, targeted boycotts are the next best option. Nexstar and Sinclair’s decision to “cancel” Jimmy Kimmel is performative outrage to gain favor with the Trump administration which they need to lift ownership restrictions when it comes to media. Nexstar wants to purchase Tegna which would increase its local TV ownership to more than 39% of US households, which is prohibited by law. They need the FCC to change this rule so they can have further control over the market, and thus, present a further danger to censorship. Nexstar’s actions are to curry favor by “punching libs” and do Trump’s dirty work for him. Trump has wanted to cancel Kimmel for some time. After the cancelation of Stephen Colbert, that reality became more into being. He said Jimmy Kimmel was next.

Nexstar, and Sinclair’s decision is about their dollars, their profits. Disney, the once champion of bullying others, has felt pressure in recent years, not just from Trump by also Governor Ron Desantis. Their decision was economic, Nexstar and Sinclair make up a large chunk of coverage, but also an attempt to bend the knee and appease MAGA.

This is about corporate mergers and increasing stock prices. It also is a further slide into fascism where corporate and government interests merge.

The economy is controlled by the state and used to serve the interests of the nation. Though claiming to help the common person, fascist regimes often align with powerful business interests.

So, how do we stop this? We make that stock go down. Disney, the owner of ABC, Nexstar, and Sinclair have shown their weakness by their worship of the dollar. By tanking revenue, we can directly effect change.

We’ve seen this in action.

Target announced their rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives which lead to a nationwide boycott. The company reported a 21% drop in net income in the second quarter this year which was exacerbated due to the boycott and an already shaky business where it saw flat or declining sales in eight of the past ten quarters. It’s stock is down from a high of $142.50 in January to around $88.35 today, that’s a 38% decrease. The CEO of Target is stepping down, being replaced as the company has said it expects further decreases in sales as the boycott continues.

Target stock 2025

How would that work here?

Nexstar and Sinclair

For those serviced by these companies.. If you purchase anything directly from them, cancel what you can and let them know why you are. For those who have channels owned by either, find out what companies are advertising on their channels, especially local news, and then boycott those advertisers. But, you need to let those advertisers know you’re doing that and why.

Disney

Disney is a megalith of a corporation whose boycott needs to run wide and deep with different strategies for each.

  • ABC, ESPN, FX, Disney Channel – like Nexstar and Sinclair, stop watching the channel, find out who advertises on it and boycott the advertisers letting them know.
  • Disney+ and Hulu – Cancel your subscription and let them know why.
  • Marvel – Do not watch the films in theaters, on television, or purchase physical or digital releases. Do not purchase the comics. Don’t buy the toys and any licensed goods.
  • Dynamite, Dark Horse, and other comic publishers – Disney licenses properties to numerous publishers, do not purchase any of it.
  • Star Wars – Nothing related to the property should be purchased or consumed.
  • Movies – Avoid Fox, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Pictures, Lucasfilm.
  • Disney Parks – Don’t go, this is pretty simple.

That’s just a small sample of the level and here’s a pretty thorough list of the Disney empire. Individuals, including those in Hollywood, are already putting pressure on the company.

By weakening corporate profits, and making it clear why, we can make investors angry, who will in turn force the internal change we so desire and desperately need.

Paramount Skydance is Exploring a Bid to Acquire Warner Bros. Discovery

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Skydance

Early today we brought the news that DC had cancelled Red Hood and fired writer Gretchen Felker-Martin likely due to comments made on social media in response to the killing of Charlie Kirk. In that article, we speculated there’s a chance DC is “playing it safe” in deference to its corporate owner Warner Bros. Discovery as they may need future approval from the Trump administration who already has a negative opinion about some of its divisions, CNN.

Not long after, news broke and Deadline is reporting that Paramount Skydance was exploring a bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. Now that Skydance Media has closed its deal to acquire Paramount Global, there’s speculation that Larry Ellison has turned his sights on to Warner Bros. Discovery next.

Larry Ellison is one of the richest people in the world with an estimated worth around $393 billion and The Wall Street Journal has said that the majority would be a cash bid.

Currently Warner Bros. Discovery is in the process of splitting into two distinct companies again. It’s unknown if the exploration for the purchase involves just the Warner Bros. Studios part of that split or the entire package. According to a Deadline source, Ellison has been look at the company for a while and now they’re taking a closer look.

Any such purchase would need the approval of the Trump administration’s Justice Department for antitrust concerns and there would be a need for all companies to keep the administration happy, so minimizing negative coverage and criticism. Yes, that’d trickle down to a writer on a comic book.

Paramount has appointed Trump’s former ambassador to Japan and conservative Kenneth Weinstein to oversee CBS News as “an independent, internal advocate for journalistic integrity and transparency, reviewing concerns raised by employees and viewers, addressing questions about news coverage, and upholding the organization’s longstanding commitment to accuracy and accountability.” That appointment was part of the agreement from Trump’s FCC to approve the Skydance and Paramount merger. They also agreed to pay $16 million to Trump’s foundation to settle a lawsuit he brought against the company last year. The company is also under fire for agreeing to provide free airtime to Trump. There’s also the canceling of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert which is believed to have been done to appease the Trump administration.

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