Trump Administration Considers Tariffs on Foreign Films to Revitalize American Moviemaking

The White House has indicated that the Trump administration is exploring potential tariffs on foreign-produced films, sparking a debate about the future of Hollywood and the global film industry. While no final decisions have been made, the administration’s interest in the policy reflects President Trump’s desire to bolster American moviemaking and address what he perceives as a decline in the industry.

According to White House spokesperson Kush Desai, the administration is "exploring all options" to fulfill President Trump’s directive to safeguard national and economic security while "Making Hollywood Great Again." The statement comes after President Trump announced his intention to impose a 100% tariff on foreign films in a Truth Social post. He directed the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate the process.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick responded swiftly, signaling the administration’s commitment to the policy.

The potential tariffs have drawn mixed reactions from industry insiders. Robby Starbuck, a former Hollywood producer and conservative activist, lauded the move as a potential boon for American workers. He argued that Hollywood elites have prioritized profits by filming in countries with cheaper labor, leading to job losses in the United States.

"The elite in Hollywood will largely hate this because they’ve sold out their workers in favor of maximum profits while shooting in insanely cheap labor environments," Starbuck stated. "American workers who are referred to as ‘below the line’ in filmmaking are over the moon about getting more jobs back here and rental houses couldn’t be happier."

Starbuck acknowledged the possibility of short-term challenges for studios but believes the tariffs will ultimately strengthen the American film business. He also highlighted the potential impact on China’s propaganda efforts.

Data from FilmLA, a nonprofit that handles film permits in Los Angeles, reveals a concerning trend. On-location production in the greater Los Angeles area decreased by 22.4% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, indicating a shift in filming locations.

One movie producer described the situation as an "existential crisis" for the Hollywood film industry. The New York Times reported that reality shows, independent films, and even blockbuster movies are increasingly choosing to film overseas, negatively impacting middle-class workers in Los Angeles, such as camera operators, set decorators, and lighting technicians.

The article cited the example of the game show "The Floor," which opted to film in Dublin, Ireland, despite the availability of studios in Hollywood. This decision meant flying host Rob Lowe and 100 American contestants overseas.

Several major films produced by U.S. studios have been filmed abroad recently, including "Deadpool & Wolverine," "Wicked," "Gladiator II," and "Mission Impossible."

President Trump has expressed strong concerns about the state of the American film industry. He argues that other countries are offering incentives to lure filmmakers and studios away from the United States, posing a national security threat due to the messaging and propaganda implications.

"WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!" Trump declared.

He accused other countries of "stealing" moviemaking capabilities from the United States and criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for allowing the situation to deteriorate.

"You have an incompetent, grossly incompetent governor that allowed that to happen, so I’m not just blaming other nations," Trump said.

Trump also emphasized that governments in other countries are providing financial support to their film industries, creating a disadvantage for the United States.

To address the challenges facing Hollywood, Trump appointed Jon Voight, Mel Gibson, and Sylvester Stallone as "special ambassadors" to the industry in January. Voight has reportedly been meeting with movie executives and union representatives in Los Angeles to develop a plan to revive American moviemaking. He has engaged with organizations such as the Directors Guild of America, Teamsters, and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.

The potential tariffs on foreign films represent a significant policy consideration with far-reaching implications for the American film industry and the global entertainment landscape. The debate over the merits and drawbacks of the policy is likely to continue as the Trump administration weighs its options and engages with stakeholders in the film industry. The outcome could reshape the landscape of moviemaking, influencing where films are produced and who benefits from the economic activity generated by the industry. The discussion also raises important questions about the role of government in supporting domestic industries and promoting national interests in a globalized world.