Trump announces 100% tariff on movies made abroad

In a bold move, former US President Donald Trump has once again threatened to impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States, accusing other nations of undermining the American film industry. Trump’s latest declaration, made via a Truth Social post on Monday, likened the situation to “stealing candy from a baby” and criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for his handling of the state’s economic challenges. Trump’s proposal, which lacks specific details or a timeline, mirrors a similar threat he issued in May, when he claimed the US film industry was “dying a very fast death” and directed the Department of Commerce and US Trade Representative to explore such tariffs. The potential impact on Hollywood, a cornerstone of the US economy, remains uncertain. The industry, which contributed $279 billion in sales and supported over 2.3 million jobs in 2022, has faced significant setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent labor strikes. Trump’s latest remarks come amid a broader push for tariffs on various imports, including branded pharmaceuticals, furniture, and heavy trucks, with some duties set to take effect as early as this week. Notably, his statements did not address whether television series, a growing segment of the entertainment sector, would be affected.