President Donald Trump announced on May 4, 2025, a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States, citing the decline of the American movie industry as a national security threat. He authorized the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to implement the tariff immediately, aiming to revitalize domestic film production.
Trump stated that foreign countries are offering incentives to lure U.S. filmmakers abroad, leading to a significant downturn in Hollywood’s output. He emphasized the need to counteract what he described as a “concerted effort by other Nations” to undermine the U.S. film industry through economic means and propaganda.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that the administration is taking immediate action to enforce the tariffs. The move aligns with Trump’s broader protectionist trade policies, which have included tariffs on various foreign imports to bolster American industries.
In January, Trump appointed actors Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson as Special Ambassadors to aid in the revival of Hollywood. These appointments are part of a larger strategy to restore the U.S. film industry’s prominence and encourage domestic production.
Critics argue that the tariffs could lead to international retaliation, potentially harming the U.S. film industry further. Former Commerce official William Reinsch warned that such measures might provoke trade disputes, questioning the validity of labeling foreign films as a national security concern.
