President Donald Trump announced on Sunday night that he plans to impose a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States, citing concerns over national security and the impact of foreign incentives that have led to the “very fast death” of American filmmaking.
“The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death. Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “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,” he continued. “WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”
Trump did not elaborate on when these tariffs might take effect or how they will be enforced. However, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick readily replied “We’re on it.”
We’re on it. https://t.co/r5zCLxZrem
— Howard Lutnick (@howardlutnick) May 4, 2025
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The proposed tariffs have sparked international backlash, with industry leaders and unions in countries such as the UK, India, South Africa, and Australia warning of severe economic and employment consequences.
Financial markets reacted negatively, as shares of major Hollywood studios like Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Disney dropped after the announcement.
Indian and South African film representatives highlighted the risk of crippling local industries reliant on Hollywood productions, while critics argue the tariffs could ultimately harm both foreign and U.S. film sectors.
Experts question the feasibility of implementing such a policy due to the complex, global nature of film production and distribution.
Connor Walcott is the lead writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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