President Trump claims Hollywood is rapidly declining.
President Donald Trump announced Sunday a proposed 100% tariff on films produced outside the US, extending his trade restrictions to the entertainment industry for the first time.
In a Truth Social post, Trump stated the American film industry is quickly failing because foreign countries offer incentives to attract US filmmakers.
Since taking office again in January, Trump has implemented extensive tariffs, culminating in the ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs on April 2, which targeted over 90 US trade partners. While most were paused for 90 days (with a 10% baseline remaining), China faced an immediate 145% tax on all imports. China responded with 125% tariffs and new export controls on US goods.
Trump said he instructed agencies, including the Commerce Department, to “immediately” begin applying a 100% tariff on all foreign-made films entering the US.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick responded on X with “We’re on it.” However, it is unclear whether the tariff will target foreign studios, US companies filming abroad, or both.
The president also described foreign film productions as a national security concern, arguing that other countries use cinema for “messaging and propaganda.”
“WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!” he exclaimed.
Bloomberg reported that Trump’s post followed weekend meetings at Mar-a-Lago with actor Jon Voight and his manager, Steven Paul, who presented plans for increased federal tax incentives for US film and TV production.
In January, Trump appointed Voight, along with actors Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone, as special ambassadors to Hollywood to boost US job growth in the entertainment sector.
Hollywood production is increasingly moving overseas as countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand increase tax incentives to attract film and TV projects.
Film and television production in Los Angeles has fallen by nearly 40% in the last decade, according to FilmLA, the region’s film office.
This trend has reduced US-based shoots, as studios seek lower costs and larger rebates abroad. Ampere Analysis projects global content spending to reach $248 billion in 2025, largely driven by streaming platforms, further encouraging the need for more affordable production locations.
Trump’s action follows China’s recent decision to “moderately reduce” the number of Hollywood films allowed into the country, a retaliatory measure against his aggressive tariff policies.
William Reinsch, a former senior Commerce official and CSIS fellow, cautioned that retaliation against Trump’s film measures could be devastating.
He told Reuters that “We have a lot more to lose than to gain,” adding that justifying tariffs on national security or emergency grounds would be challenging.
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