President Trump Announces 100% Tariff on Foreign-Made Films to Protect Hollywood
Washington D.C., May 5, 2025 – In a dramatic escalation of his economic protectionism, President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on all foreign-made films, stating the move is necessary to shield the American movie industry from what he called a “national security threat.”
The announcement came via a post on Truth Social, Trump’s social media platform, where he claimed that Hollywood is being “devastated” by a global trend of studios and filmmakers producing content outside the United States.
“The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death,” Trump wrote. “Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States.”
He further accused foreign governments of using cinema as a “messaging and propaganda” tool to influence global audiences and undermine U.S. culture and values.
“Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated. This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat,” he added.
Trump authorized the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to begin the immediate implementation of the tariff policy, which will apply to any movie produced outside the United States, regardless of the language or studio involved.
“WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!” he concluded in all caps.
The decision comes amid growing international tensions, especially with China, which recently announced plans to reduce the number of U.S. films it imports. This tit-for-tat maneuver follows ongoing trade disputes that have already resulted in 145% tariffs on several Chinese goods entering the U.S.
Critics, including industry experts and trade analysts, warn that such sweeping tariffs could strain global entertainment partnerships, hurt international box office revenues, and complicate distribution deals for American studios relying on international markets.
However, supporters argue that the policy could revitalize domestic film production, bring jobs back to U.S. soil, and protect American cultural output from foreign influence.
As the policy heads into implementation, film studios, distributors, and foreign partners around the globe are bracing for major disruptions in the international film trade.
