Trump Unleashes Tariff Threat: 100% Tax on Foreign Films Slated to Hit Big Screens

Trump Renews Threat to Impose 100% Tariffs on Non-US Made Movies In a move that has left the entertainment industry reeling, President Donald Trump has renewed his threat to impose a 100% tariff on all films not made in the United States. The announcement, made on Monday via his Truth Social platform, comes as part of a broader effort to protect American industries and jobs. According to Trump, the US film industry has been "stolen" by other countries, with California being particularly hard hit. He claimed that imposing a 100% tariff would "solve this long time, never-ending problem." The White House has not provided a timeline for when the tariff will take effect. Industry insiders are bracing themselves for the potential impact of such a drastic measure. "A 100% tariff on non-US made movies would be catastrophic for our industry," said an executive at a major Hollywood studio, who wished to remain anonymous. "It would lead to significant job losses and damage to the global reputation of American cinema." The threat is not new; in May, Trump hinted at imposing tariffs on foreign films as part of his efforts to revitalize the US film industry. However, this latest announcement has sparked renewed concern among industry professionals. California's Governor Gavin Newsom has been vocal about the potential consequences of such a move. "This would be a devastating blow to our state's economy and creative community," he said in a statement. "We urge the President to reconsider his decision and engage in constructive dialogue with industry leaders." The proposed tariff is part of a broader trend of protectionist policies pursued by the Trump administration. Last week, the White House announced new tariffs on branded or patented drug imports as well as 50% levies on kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Industry experts point out that such measures could have far-reaching consequences for global trade and cultural exchange. "The film industry is a global business," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a media studies expert at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). "Imposing tariffs would not only harm American filmmakers but also limit access to diverse stories and perspectives from around the world." As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear how this latest development will affect the entertainment industry. One thing is certain: the global film community will be watching closely as the drama plays out. Byline: Pritti Mistry, Business Reporter for Reuters *Reporting by Bbc.*