Trump slaps 100% tariff on foreign movies

Washington

President Donald Trump has announced a 100 per cent tariff on all films produced outside the United States, claiming that the decline of America’s movie industry poses a threat to national security. Trump made the announcement through a post on Truth Social, stating, Industry in America is dying a very fast death, and blamed foreign incentives for drawing film projects away from Hollywood. He argued that the global shift in film production harms both the economy and national messaging. It is... messaging and propaganda! he said, urging the Department of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative to begin immediate enforcement.

At a White House briefing, Trump specifically targeted California Governor Gavin Newsom, blaming his leadership for Hollywood’s decline in recent years. He accused other countries of stealing American movie business with attractive financial benefits. If they’re not willing to make a movie inside the United States, we should have a tariff, Trump said. Hollywood has faced major setbacks in recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, strikes, and reduced California film budgets. Many productions have moved abroad to benefit from better tax deals. Earlier this year, Trump appointed actors Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as special ambassadors to help revive American filmmaking. Their mission is to attract movie business back to the U.S. and restore Hollywood’s global dominance.

The 100 per cent tariff is expected to affect international studios that export films to U.S. markets, a move that could reshape global cinema distribution and spark tensions in international trade. Critics warn the tariff may raise movie ticket prices and reduce global cinematic diversity in the U.S. However, Trump maintains it’s a necessary step to protect American culture and jobs.