The film industry in the US is dying, says US President Donald Trump, which is why he wants to impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the US.
The statement came over the weekend from Donald Trump on his own social media platform, Truth Social, as reported by Hollywood outlet Variety.
- "The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death. Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated. This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!", wrote Donald J. Trump.
- "Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!"
No mention of TV series
The initial statement from Trump concerns films. TV series were not specifically mentioned. The exact details are also unknown, as no press briefing has been held on the matter.
Nevertheless, the announcement has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, according to Variety's sources. Executives from film studios held emergency meetings over the weekend to discuss implications and solutions.
For decades, Hollywood films have been shot both in the US and abroad, often to take advantage of distinctive natural landscapes and iconic locations and cities. However, in recent years the industry has increasingly moved productions overseas to cut costs.
Could impact Bond, Avatar, Mission: Impossible
Major film franchises such as Avatar, The Avengers, Mission: Impossible, Fast and Furious and James Bond could be affected by the proposed import tariff, as they are filmed abroad.
Trump’s statement comes just a week before the annual Cannes Film Festival, where the tariff dispute is likely to be a major topic of discussion.
- Source: Donald Trump, Variety
