Trump Slaps 100% Tariff on Foreign Films to Revive U.S. Movie Industry

President Donald Trump has announced a 100% tariff on all foreign-made films to counter what he calls a “national security threat” to the American movie industry. Citing aggressive incentives from other countries that attract filmmakers away from the U.S., Trump said the new tariffs would ensure, “WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”

The Department of Commerce has been tasked with implementing the order, though exact details—such as how tariffs will be applied to streaming platforms—remain unclear. Industry leaders, including the Motion Picture Association, have yet to comment.

Trump’s move has rattled global film markets. Hollywood shares dipped, and film unions in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand warned the tariffs could crush local industries just recovering from the pandemic and a production slowdown.

Critics argue the measure could backfire, causing a drop in global film production rather than boosting American-made content. Experts warn of retaliation, which could cost the U.S. film industry billions.

The tariff announcement follows Trump’s broader trade policy agenda and his earlier appointment of Hollywood veterans like Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone as “ambassadors” to restore the U.S. film sector’s dominance.