Trump admin ‘exploring all options’ on potential foreign moviemaking tariff
The White House has recently announced that no final decisions have been made regarding the Trump administration’s proposed tariffs on foreign moviemaking. This news comes as a relief to many within the American film industry, with experts welcoming the potential action as a way to support and strengthen domestic filmmaking.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai stated in a press release to Fox News Digital, “Although no final decisions on foreign film tariffs have been made, the Administration is exploring all options to deliver on President Trump’s directive to safeguard our country’s national and economic security while Making Hollywood Great Again.”
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to announce that he had authorized the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate the process of imposing a 100% tariff on all movies produced in foreign countries. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick responded by affirming that they are taking immediate action.
Former Hollywood producer and conservative activist Robby Starbuck expressed support for the potential tariffs, highlighting that American workers in the film industry, particularly those “below the line,” stand to benefit from increased job opportunities. He also noted that while there may be initial challenges for studios, the long-term impact would be positive for the American film business and would reduce the influence of countries like China in the industry.
The Hollywood film industry has been facing challenges, with on-location production in Los Angeles decreasing significantly in recent years. The New York Times reported that many productions are choosing to film overseas, impacting middle-class workers in the industry. Major films such as “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “Wicked,” and “Gladiator II” have been recorded outside the United States, despite the availability of studios in Hollywood.
President Trump emphasized the importance of bringing moviemaking back to America, asserting that other countries offering incentives to draw filmmakers away pose a national security threat. He criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for allowing the decline of the industry in California and highlighted the need for tariffs on foreign-produced movies to protect American interests.
In a bid to revitalize the American film industry, Trump appointed actors Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as “special ambassadors” to Hollywood. Voight has been actively engaging with movie executives and union representatives in Los Angeles to develop a plan for the industry’s revival.
Overall, the potential tariffs on foreign moviemaking represent a significant step towards supporting American filmmakers and preserving the country’s cultural and economic interests. The industry’s stakeholders are hopeful that these measures will lead to a resurgence in domestic filmmaking and a reduction in foreign influence in the industry.
