U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his trade war threats by vowing to impose a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the United States, accusing foreign countries of “stealing” America’s film industry.
The announcement, made in a Truth Social post, came just days after Trump threatened sweeping new tariffs on branded pharmaceuticals, furniture, and heavy trucks.
“Other countries have taken business from the United States just like stealing candy from a baby,” Trump wrote, blaming California Governor Gavin Newsom for being “weak and incompetent” in addressing what he described as Hollywood’s decline.
“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,” Trump added, though he offered no details or timeline for the measure.
Echoes of Earlier Threats
The post mirrors remarks Trump made in May, when he claimed the US film industry was “dying a very fast death” and instructed the Commerce Department and US Trade Representative to explore punitive tariffs.
While the latest threat left many details unclear — including whether it would extend to television series, now one of the most profitable entertainment sectors — the announcement rattles an industry already weakened by the COVID-19 pandemic and last year’s Hollywood strikes, which accelerated a shift in viewing habits from theaters to streaming platforms.
Economic Stakes
Hollywood remains a critical pillar of the US economy, supporting 2.3 million jobs and generating $279 billion in sales in 2022, according to the Motion Picture Association. Analysts warn that a tariff war could drive up costs, limit international collaboration, and complicate global distribution.
Broader Tariff Agenda
Trump’s warning against the movie industry is part of a broader protectionist push. Last week, he announced plans to impose tariffs ranging from 25% to 100% on imported pharmaceuticals, kitchen cabinets, upholstered furniture, and heavy trucks, with duties on patented drug products set to hit 100% unless firms relocate manufacturing to the US.
He also doubled down on his pledge to restore domestic industries, saying North Carolina had “completely lost its furniture business to China, and other countries.”
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