President Donald Trump has ordered a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the country, in a sweeping protectionist move to revitalize the “dying” Hollywood. The announcement framed foreign film production as both an economic threat and a matter of national security.
“The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death,” Trump posted. “This is a concerted effort by other Nations… a National Security threat… messaging and propaganda!” he added.
Trump has directed the Department of Commerce and the Trade Representative to begin immediate implementation, though no concrete enforcement mechanisms or tariff scope—such as whether streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime will be affected—have been outlined.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick responded tersely on X: “We’re on it.”
In January, Trump appointed Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson to spearhead efforts to revive domestic production, a move some critics dismissed as symbolic. However, Sunday’s action signals a more aggressive shift toward industrial policy in the entertainment sector, despite growing questions about feasibility and enforcement.
All major studios—including Walt Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Paramount Global—have long relied on international production hubs like Canada and the UK to reduce costs and access location-specific tax credits. Ampere Analysis estimates $248 billion will be spent globally on content production in 2025, much of it outside US borders.
Information for this briefing was found via Reuters and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
