President Donald Trump has unveiled a bold new policy targeting the global film industry, announcing a proposed 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the United States. The move, he claims, is aimed at revitalizing American film production and curbing foreign influence in a key cultural sector.
Trump argued that the current system encourages American filmmakers to take projects overseas, drawn by lucrative tax incentives and cheaper labor. He called the trend a coordinated effort that undermines U.S. creative dominance and presents a potential national security concern.
To advance the initiative, Trump has tasked the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office with laying the groundwork for implementing the tariffs. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the administration’s intent to move swiftly on the proposal.
The policy has sparked concern across international entertainment hubs, particularly in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, where major U.S. productions frequently shoot. Industry insiders warn the tariff could significantly raise production costs and strain creative partnerships between American studios and their global collaborators.
While the exact mechanics of the tariff—such as how it would affect streaming platforms or co-productions—have yet to be detailed, the administration insists the move is part of a broader strategy to restore American cultural leadership and bring film jobs back to U.S. soil.