Donald Trump participated in Truth Social Sunday, announcing that he is “authorizing” the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to impose 100% tariffs on “any and all” films produced by “foreign land.”

In a move to get Shockwaves through Hollywood, Trump considered foreign production a "national security threat" to the U.S. film industry, adding that they not only attracted filmmakers to other markets, but also brought "message and publicity" into the U.S.

"The American film industry is dying rapidly," Trump wrote. "Other countries are offering various incentives to keep our film producers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood and many other areas within the United States have been disaster. It's a unanimous effort by other countries. All the films entering our country are foreign, and we want American-made movies!"

After Trump issued the statement, studio executives called an emergency call, and there was huge uncertainty over whether the president had the right to impose these tariffs and how they actually worked. It is unclear what impact will have on many films filmed overseas, including sequels to major franchises such as “Avatar,” “Avengers,” and “Mission: Impossible.” The studio wants more information about certain movies that have been completed or are already in production. It is also confusing why the president picked out the movie without mentioning TV production.

As Trump’s social media comments suggest, many Hollywood productions have moved them to Canada and overseas, including the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Hungary as they provide compelling economic incentives that help lower the budget. But the film is also shot internationally, as they want to shoot at exotic locations, which works for franchises with teams like James Bond and Speed ​​and Anger.

Tariffs announced a week before the Hollywood Balloon at the Hollywood Film Festival that many American works are looking to sell foreign distribution rights, and film packages involving top talent hope to ensure studio support. Studio executives will be called up in Riviera to face the avalanche of their foreign colleagues who may be more determined to start their business.

It is not yet known whether Trump's statement can also apply to movies produced and screened in the United States in other countries

Trump's final step towards Hollywood was to name Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson and Jon Voight as "special ambassadors" for the U.S. film industry, although the three have made no significant progress since their appointment in January.

Despite Trump's claim that Hollywood has dropped, 2025 has actually seen a rebound in the box office since last year. Total domestic revenue is 15.8% of 2024. While still lagging behind 31% in 2019, hits like "Minecraft Movies", "Sinners" and "Thunderbolts*" bring hope to close the gap. However, the production has been working hard to return after the 2023 actors and writers strike. Since a deal between the union and studios, 40% of films and TV shows have been filmed in the United States. Meanwhile, media conglomerates have taken extensive cost-cutting measures, allowing the company to cut the programming and film sectors.