President Donald Trump announced a sweeping new trade measure Monday, declaring a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the United States. Speaking from the White House lawn, Trump said the move is aimed at “revitalizing American cinema and protecting our cultural industry from foreign influence.”
The announcement immediately sent shockwaves through the global entertainment sector, with studios in Europe, Asia, and Latin America scrambling to assess the potential financial fallout. Trump framed the measure as part of his broader “America First” economic agenda, which he said includes restoring domestic film production jobs and “putting Hollywood back in the hands of Americans.”
“Why should we be flooding our screens with movies made in places that don’t share our values?” Trump asked during his address. “It’s time to bring our movies — and our money — home.”
The tariff will apply to theatrical releases, streaming content, and even independent films that are produced or co-produced outside of the U.S. It is expected to significantly impact international streaming platforms, particularly those with large catalogs of non-U.S. content.
Industry analysts predict a sharp increase in production costs for foreign films distributed in the U.S., which could lead to fewer international titles making it to American audiences. Some critics, including members of the U.S. film industry, warned that the measure could backfire by triggering retaliatory actions from other nations, potentially limiting the global reach of American productions.
The European Commission and South Korea’s Ministry of Culture have already called emergency meetings to evaluate trade responses. In Hollywood, reactions ranged from cautious support to outright alarm, especially among distributors who rely on diverse international content.
The White House has not yet clarified whether the tariff applies retroactively to existing content or only to future releases. Legal experts say the policy could face challenges in court or at the World Trade Organization.
Trump, however, remained defiant: “We make the best movies in the world. And it’s time we stop subsidizing those who don’t.”
