Trump threatens to impose tariffs on films made outside America

In a Truth Social post, Trump said: “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!”

“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.”

In particular, Trump’s latest social post targets California Governor Gavin Newsom, a leading political opponent of the US president.

Trump first floated the idea of a movie tariff in May 2025 but offered very few details at the time.

If Trump does follow through with the threat, it would mark the first time he has imposed a tariff on a service rather than a good. The move suggests that Trump is now willing to extend his protectionist trade policies into the cultural industries.

Many US films and television series are filmed outside the country, taking advantage of cheaper production costs and attractive incentives. Countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and Hungary have become major production hubs as a result.

Trump did not say when the tariff will come into force. It was also unclear if the tariffs would apply to films on streaming services, as well as those shown at cinemas or how they would be calculated.

US President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order to cut back the government-funded news organisation Voice of America (VOA). Discover more here.