In a bold and controversial move, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced Sunday that all films produced outside the United States and brought into the country will now be subject to a 100% tariff.
The announcement, made via Truth Social, comes as Trump claims the American movie industry is experiencing a “very fast death” due to foreign incentives luring away filmmakers.
“This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda,” Trump wrote, emphasizing his concern that foreign production is eroding Hollywood’s influence and putting national interests at risk.
He added: “WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”
Trump said he has authorized government agencies, including the Department of Commerce, to immediately begin the process of implementing the tariffs.
However, neither Trump nor Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick who confirmed the administration is “on it” via X, provided details on how the tariffs would be calculated or applied.
It remains unclear if the levy would cover streaming content or be limited to theatrical releases, and whether it would be based on production cost, distribution value, or box office earnings.
The backdrop to this dramatic policy shift is a Hollywood already under strain.
FilmLA reports that production in Los Angeles, the heart of the industry, has dropped nearly 40% in the past decade. Recent January wildfires added urgency to industry fears, as many workers now contemplate leaving the city entirely rather than rebuilding in devastated neighborhoods.
Hollywood producers and unions have urged California Governor Gavin Newsom to ramp up state-level tax incentives to help keep productions local.
Meanwhile, the global landscape continues to evolve. Governments from Australia to Canada and New Zealand have increased tax credits and cash rebates to attract more of the $248 billion projected by Ampere Analysis to be spent worldwide on content in 2025.
In response to Trump’s decision, Australia and New Zealand, both of which have hosted blockbuster franchises like The Lord of the Rings and Marvel films, stated they would support their local film sectors and advocate against the new tariffs.
Hollywood insiders, meanwhile, were left scrambling Sunday night to assess the impact and figure out the logistics of what Trump’s sweeping move will mean for their international projects.
Earlier this year, Trump appointed Hollywood figures like Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson to spearhead a revival of American cinema.
His message is clear: he wants to bring the movie business back to U.S. soil, “bigger, better and stronger than ever before.”
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