Trump Proposes 100% Tariff on Foreign Films, Citing National Security Threat to Hollywood
In a bold and controversial move, former US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on all foreign-produced films, framing the decline of domestic film production as a national security concern.
Video credit to: NewsX World
Trump’s Trade Policy Escalation
The announcement, made via Trump’s Truth Social platform, marks a significant escalation in his administration’s ongoing trade policy battles. The move could have far-reaching consequences for the global entertainment industry.
“WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!” Trump wrote in all caps, directing the Department of Commerce and US Trade Representative to implement the policy immediately. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the directive with a brief response: “We’re on it.”
Hollywood’s Current Challenges
The proposal comes as Hollywood faces multiple challenges:
- Lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
- Major industry strikes
- Shift toward streaming platforms
According to Motion Picture Association data, the US film industry generated $279 billion in sales and 2.3 million jobs in 2022. However, domestic production spending has dropped 26% over the past two years.
Production Flight Overseas
A ProdPro survey revealed that US studios increasingly favor international locations due to tax incentives. The top five destinations for upcoming projects are:
- Toronto
- Britain
- Vancouver
- Central Europe
- Australia
California ranks sixth, highlighting the domestic industry’s challenges.
National Security Justification
Trump framed foreign film incentives as a national security threat, stating: “The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death. Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated.”
The policy’s scope remains unclear regarding television series, though industry experts warn it could disrupt global distribution networks.
Political Tensions in Hollywood
The announcement underscores ongoing tensions between Trump and Hollywood’s predominantly liberal establishment. Trump previously appointed conservative-leaning stars Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight as entertainment industry envoys.
The move follows Hollywood’s strong support for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, with major stars like Taylor Swift and George Clooney publicly endorsing her campaign.
Industry Reaction and Next Steps
The Motion Picture Association has yet to respond officially. Industry analysts are monitoring potential:
- Legal challenges
- Economic impacts
- Global market reactions
The proposal adds uncertainty to a film industry already navigating post-pandemic recovery and changing consumer habits.
Full credit to the original publisher: Toscad News