U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the United States, claiming the American film industry has been “stolen” by other countries.
In a post shared on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump criticised California for being “particularly hard hit” under what he described as the “weak and incompetent” leadership of its governor.
He likened the loss of America’s movie-making dominance to “stealing candy from a baby.”
Trump said the tariff move is aimed at protecting U.S. filmmakers and restoring America’s position as the global leader in film production.
“In order to solve this long time, never ending problem, I will be imposing a 100% Tariff on any and all movies that are made outside of the United States. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” he wrote.
The announcement has sparked debate within the entertainment industry, which is heavily globalized. Hollywood has long collaborated with international studios, actors, and production companies, while foreign box offices remain a major source of revenue for U.S.-made films.
California, home to Hollywood and the bulk of America’s film industry, has faced increasing competition in recent decades from international markets like Canada, the United Kingdom, India, and China, where governments often provide tax incentives and lower production costs.
Trump’s post did not specify how the tariffs would be implemented or when, but it adds to his list of protectionist trade proposals targeting industries he believes have been weakened by global competition.
