US President Donald Trump has renewed his threat to impose a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the United States, accusing foreign nations of “stealing” America’s film industry.
The warning, issued Monday in a Truth Social post, follows Trump’s earlier announcement of sweeping new tariffs targeting pharmaceutical products, furniture, and heavy trucks.
He claimed the US film sector has suffered long-term exploitation from international competitors.
Trump compared the issue to “stealing candy from a baby” and vowed to restore dominance to Hollywood.
He also attacked California Governor Gavin Newsom, labeling him “weak and incompetent,” while insisting the state’s economy has been badly hit.
“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 declared.
Trump did not reveal when the tariff would take effect or how it would be enforced.
His threat echoes a similar statement in May, when he ordered the Commerce Department and US Trade Representative to begin reviewing a possible 100% duty on foreign films.
The potential impact remains unclear, but Hollywood insiders warn it could disrupt global collaborations, film imports, and box office revenues.
The US film industry is a cornerstone of the national economy, supporting 2.3 million jobs and generating $279 billion in sales in 2022, according to the Motion Picture Association.
Yet, Hollywood has faced setbacks from pandemic disruptions, prolonged strikes, and a shift in consumer habits, with many Americans choosing home streaming over theater visits.
Trump’s post also left unanswered whether television productions now one of America’s most profitable exports would be affected.
Trump’s film tariff threat adds to his escalating trade policies.
Just last week, he promised tariffs between 25% and 100% on imported branded drugs, kitchen cabinets, upholstered furniture, and heavy trucks.
He warned pharmaceutical companies of 100% duties unless they build manufacturing plants in the US.
He also repeated his claim that North Carolina “has completely lost its furniture business to China and other countries,” pledging to reverse the decline through aggressive tariff enforcement.
With no timeline announced, global film producers, distributors, and streaming platforms are left uncertain.
If enforced, the move could reshape how American audiences access foreign films and how Hollywood collaborates with international studios.
For now, industry leaders are closely watching Washington for clarification, while Trump continues to build his case for a protectionist trade agenda ahead of 2026.