O’Leary Ventures Chairman Kevin O’Leary joins ‘Varney & Co.’ to weigh in on California’s proposed billionaire tax, the rising wealth exodus from blue states and why America is falling behind China within the AI energy race.
Some of the acclaimed and profitable American filmmakers in historical past has left California for New York.
Steven Spielberg and his spouse, Kate Capshaw, formally grew to become New York residents on Jan. 1, in accordance with a report by the Los Angeles Instances. The couple relocated to the San Remo co-op on Central Park West in Manhattan, which has beforehand housed celebrities together with Bono, Mick Jagger, Warren Beatty and Tiger Woods.
On the identical day that Spielberg reportedly established residency, his manufacturing firm Amblin Leisure opened an workplace in New York Metropolis, marking a notable transition away from Hollywood.
Spielberg has owned houses on each the East and West coasts since at the least the mid-Nineties.
TOP DEMS SANDERS AND REICH RAMP UP BILLIONAIRE TAX PUSH, SAY WEALTHY HAVE ‘ADDICTION’ TO GREED
Hypothesis across the timing of the transfer may be linked to a proposed one-time 5% wealth tax on California residents price $1 billion or extra. Whereas it has not but certified for the November poll, the proposal — backed by the Service Staff Worldwide Union–United Healthcare Staff West — would take impact in 2027, and taxpayers might unfold funds over 5 years, with extra prices, in accordance with the Legislative Analyst’s Workplace.
Steven Spielberg arrives on the crimson carpet for the Oscars Nominees Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (Getty Photographs)
If the measure is permitted by voters, anybody who was a California resident on Jan. 1, 2026, would owe the tax, in accordance with the proposal.
Nonetheless, Spielberg’s consultant mentioned the transfer has no connection to the potential tax.
“Steven’s transfer to the East Coast is each long-planned and pushed purely by his and Kate Capshaw’s need to be nearer to their New York-based youngsters and grandchildren,” spokesperson Terry Press informed the Los Angeles Instances.
Unleash prosperity co-founder Steve Moore and Heritage Basis chief economist EJ Antoni focus on Bernie Sanders’ push for a billionaire tax in California on ‘The Backside Line.’
Press additionally declined to touch upon Spielberg’s place concerning the wealth tax initiative.
If the measure passes, figuring out who qualifies as a California resident could possibly be advanced. The state’s Franchise Tax Board considers a number of elements when evaluating residency, together with voter registration, time spent in California, driver’s license issuance, automobile registration, the situation of a partner and kids, and social ties corresponding to spiritual establishments or nation golf equipment.
It’s not publicly identified how Spielberg’s relocation would have an effect on any potential publicity ought to the measure cross, however with a Forbes-estimated web price of $7.1 billion, he could possibly be anticipated to pay the Golden State roughly $355 million.
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Spielberg, who was born in Ohio, lived in a number of states earlier than shifting to California and attending California State College, Lengthy Seaside, the place he later left to take a contract with Common Studios.
His most impactful movies embrace titles like “Schindler’s Record,” “Jaws,” “Jurassic Park,” the “Indiana Jones” franchise, “Saving Non-public Ryan” and “Catch Me If You Can,” amongst others.
