WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Sunday that his administration will impose a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States, a move he claims is necessary to revive the declining American film industry and counter what he describes as foreign “messaging and propaganda.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had authorized the U.S. Trade Representative to begin implementing the new tariff, which would apply to all motion pictures not produced within the U.S. borders. He argued that aggressive incentives offered by foreign governments to attract film productions have created an uneven playing field and pose a direct threat to the health of the domestic industry.
“Our once great movie industry is dying a very fast death,” Trump wrote. “This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!”
The surprise announcement is likely to send shockwaves through the global entertainment industry, particularly in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and India — all of which have thriving film sectors and serve as production hubs for major Hollywood studios seeking lower costs and government subsidies.
While Trump did not specify whether the tariff would apply retroactively or only to future releases, his administration is expected to clarify the policy in the coming days. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has yet to issue a formal statement or implementation timeline.
Industry analysts warn the decision could ignite a cultural trade war and significantly disrupt international co-productions, film imports, and streaming platforms that rely heavily on non-U.S. content. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Trump has long railed against globalization’s impact on American industries, including steel, autos, and manufacturing. His latest move extends that nationalist agenda into the cultural arena, where films have historically enjoyed free-flowing international exchange.
“This tariff isn’t just about economics. It’s about controlling the narrative,” said Michael Reynolds, a media policy expert at Georgetown University. “Trump is signaling that he sees foreign-produced films as a threat not only to jobs, but to American values and global influence.”
The president’s post accused foreign film incentives of draining talent and resources away from Hollywood, which he claimed has suffered job losses and declining output as a result. Although U.S.-based studios continue to dominate global box offices, many now shoot films abroad to take advantage of favorable tax breaks and cheaper production costs.
Some entertainment insiders speculate the tariff could lead to major studios reshuffling their production plans, particularly for franchises and streaming content filmed overseas. Others warned of retaliatory measures by U.S. allies whose markets remain key to American film exports.
The announcement comes amid Trump’s broader “America First” campaign platform, which has leaned heavily into economic protectionism and the revitalization of American cultural dominance. During his Sunday post, Trump stopped short of threatening further actions against foreign streaming platforms but hinted at more trade penalties to come.
The proposed tariff could face legal and logistical challenges, including scrutiny by the World Trade Organization and pushback from U.S. companies with global operations. Still, Trump’s directive appears to be in line with his broader effort to reassert American control over industries he views as under siege from foreign competition.
