In a surprising turn of events, former United States President Donald Trump announced via a Sunday afternoon social media post his intention to impose a 100 per cent tariff on movies produced outside the United States. The declaration frames such foreign productions as a “national security threat,” citing concerns over the decline of the American film industry and the lure of overseas incentives drawing filmmakers abroad.
“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. 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. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”
While the proclamation is strong in rhetoric, its practical implementation remains murky. There is no clear definition of how this tariff would be enforced or which films would qualify as “foreign.” Many countries currently offer competitive tax incentives that make filming abroad financially appealing for major studios. Locations like the UK, Australia, and various European nations have become popular alternatives to traditional US-based production hubs.
Moreover, global storytelling often necessitates shooting in exotic or culturally rich locations—something that can’t always be replicated within the borders of the United States. Franchises like James Bond, John Wick, Extraction, and Mission: Impossible thrive on international settings that enhance their narratives and visual appeal. Similarly, projects such as the upcoming F1 movie, filmed at race circuits outside the U.S., could fall under scrutiny under this new policy.
There are also lingering questions about how this proposal would affect films already in production or nearing completion. Additionally, it’s unclear why TV series—which face similar international competition—are not included in the plan. Perhaps most concerning is the potential for retaliatory measures from other countries, which may respond by imposing tariffs or restrictions on American films shown abroad.
For now, the entertainment industry watches closely, awaiting further clarification—or perhaps a reversal—as this bold and unprecedented idea continues to unfold.
