U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed his threat to impose a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States, a move that could seriously impact Hollywood’s global operations.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Monday, Trump claimed the U.S. film industry has been “stolen” by other countries, comparing it to “stealing candy from a baby.”
He blamed foreign governments and criticized California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of allowing the state’s film industry to weaken.
“Our movie making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other Countries, just like stealing “candy from a baby.” California, with its weak and incompetent Governor, has been particularly hard hit!” he wrote.
“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,” Trump added.
The proposal, originally floated by Trump in May, would target any movie made outside the U.S.—even if produced by American studios.
Trump previously said that foreign productions posed a “national security threat” due to their influence and messaging.
Hollywood experts say the proposal raises serious concerns and confusion. Modern films are often international efforts, with production, financing, and special effects spread across multiple countries.
Many studios also shoot abroad to benefit from generous tax incentives offered in places like the UK, Australia, and Canada.
There is also no clarity on how such a tariff would be enforced—or whether Trump would even have the legal authority to implement it.
Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Calif.), who represents Hollywood, says she is “relieved President Trump recognizes that we are losing a signature American product: the domestic film & TV industry,” but opposes his 100% foreign film tariff.
Calls for a national film tax credit instead. pic.twitter.com/EgPbBzvuIG
— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) September 29, 2025
Experts warn that if the tariff is applied, costs will rise, and those increases would likely be passed on to moviegoers. It could also impact thousands of American workers involved in overseas shoots, such as visual effects artists, technicians, and crew members.
Trump’s post reignites tensions with Governor Newsom, who has recently expanded California’s tax credit program to keep more productions in the state. The two politicians have frequently clashed on social media, often trading sharp and sarcastic messages.
So far, the White House has not commented on how or whether such a tariff would be implemented.
Follow for more: Twitter (X) | Facebook | Instagram | LinkeIn
Kiran Asim is a writer who covers the U.S., Europe, South Asia, and the Middle East. Her reports and analyses look at the geostrategic issues and contemporary developments and their economic and political implications. She also writes about society and education.
