Kathrine Frich
President Donald Trump has labelled foreign films a danger to U.S. national security.
President Donald Trump has labelled foreign films a danger to U.S. national security.
Framing it as an issue of propaganda and economic sabotage, Trump announced plans to slap a 100% tariff on all imported movies.
The shock announcement, delivered via a late-night statement, accused other countries of luring away American filmmakers and undermining the U.S. film industry. Here’s what you need to know.
100% Tariff on Foreign Films Incoming
Trump authorised the U.S. Trade Representative and Department of Commerce to begin the process of imposing a massive 100% tariff on any movie produced outside the U.S.
The goa is to choke off international competition and force Hollywood to bring production home.
“Movies Made in America, Again!”
Echoing the tone of his “Make America Great Again” slogan, Trump declared: “WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!”
The statement reads like a cultural battle cry, designed to restore American cinematic dominance and protect domestic storytelling.
Trump Says Foreign Incentives Are “Devastating” Hollywood
The President blamed rival nations for stealing Hollywood’s business by offering tax breaks and other production perks to lure filmmakers abroad.
He claimed this has caused a sharp decline in domestic film activity, putting thousands of U.S. jobs at risk.
Claims of Foreign “Messaging and Propaganda”
Trump didn’t stop at economic concerns.
He argued that imported films are being used as vehicles for “messaging and propaganda” that could undermine American values.
The implication here bein that culture has become a weapon and the U.S. is under attack.
Industry Shockwaves: Hollywood on Alert
While no official industry responses were included, the announcement is certain to send shockwaves through studios and distributors alike.
If enacted, the tariffs could double the cost of bringing international films to U.S. screens, affecting both indie cinemas and streaming platforms.
Consumer Prices Could Soar
Critics are already warning that a tariff of this magnitude could backfire on moviegoers.
Ticket prices might spike, access to foreign-language films could dwindle, and the once-globalised movie market may contract under the weight of protectionism.
Europe and Asia Could Hit Back
Although not directly quoted, Trump’s move sets the stage for retaliation from countries with robust film industries like France, South Korea, and the UK.
If trade tensions escalate, U.S. films might face similar import barriers abroad.