President Donald Trump announced Monday he will impose a 100% tariff “on any and all movies that are made outside of the United States,” escalating his trade crackdown into Hollywood.
The president did not specify when or how the tariffs would take effect, but the move would mark the first time Trump has effectively targeted a service industry rather than raw goods.
Trump first floated the idea in May, blasting foreign tax incentives for luring U.S. filmmakers abroad. On Monday, he again singled out California as the biggest loser.
“Our movie making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other Countries, just like stealing ‘candy from a baby,’” Trump wrote on TRUTH Social. “California, with its weak and incompetent Governor, has been particularly hard hit! Therefore, 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! President DJT.”
American actors and directors generally prefer to work close to home. But “the fact is, it’s cheaper for Hollywood studios to pay for everyone to get on planes, pay for hotels, because the cost of labor, lack of rebates and the ability to make things overseas is infinitely cheaper,” Jay Sures, vice chairman of United Talent Agency, told CNN in May.
Share of Netflix (NFLX) opened down 1% Monday morning following Trump’s post, while other movie-related companies, including AMC (AMC) and The Walt Disney Company (DIS), opened higher.
Looks like it’s also a response to this China tariff threat https://t.co/n2LN91AyGw
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) September 29, 2025
[h/t CNN]
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