In a dramatic policy announcement, former U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he has ordered a 100% tariff on all foreign-made films, citing what he calls a “national threat” to the American movie industry.
Posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said:
“The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death… Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States… Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN.”
Trump accused foreign governments of actively undermining Hollywood through incentives and subsidies, warning that it affects both economics and national messaging.
This move escalates tensions amid an ongoing tariff war between the U.S. and China. Earlier in April, China’s National Film Administration responded to U.S. trade actions by declaring a “moderate reduction” in the number of American films released in Chinese cinemas—citing waning audience interest due to U.S. policies.
“The wrong move by the US government to abuse tariffs on China will inevitably further reduce the domestic audience’s favourability towards American films,” the administration said.
Historically, China has allowed the import of just 10 Hollywood films per year, making its market a critical revenue stream for American studios.
When asked about China’s restriction, Trump appeared unfazed:
“I think I’ve heard of worse things,” he reportedly said.
With this latest directive, the U.S. may be heading toward a new cultural and trade standoff, this time centered on film and media exports.