• President Trump proposed a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the U.S., causing confusion and anxiety in the film industry.
• The proposal followed a meeting with Jon Voight, who presented a plan for tax incentives and other measures to boost domestic film production.
• Industry stakeholders express concern about the potential impact of tariffs on international film production and the competitiveness of the U.S. film industry.

President Trump's announcement of a potential 100% tariff on movies produced outside the United States has sent shockwaves through the film industry. The proposal, made via Truth Social, was preceded by a meeting with actor Jon Voight, who presented the President with a plan to revitalize domestic film and television production through tax incentives and other measures. The tariff proposal has generated widespread confusion and concern, with industry stakeholders questioning its feasibility, potential impact, and implications for the global film industry. Unions, studio executives, and international film communities have all voiced their opinions, highlighting the potential economic consequences and shifts in film production strategies.

• What: President Trump proposed a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the U.S., triggering reactions and concerns in the film industry. Jon Voight presented Trump with a plan to revitalize domestic film and television production through federal tax incentives, co-production treaties, and subsidies.
• Who: Key individuals include President Trump, Jon Voight, Steven Paul (Voight's advisor), Gavin Newsom, Sean O'Brien, Lindsay Dougherty, and studio executives. Key organizations include Hollywood studios, Teamsters labor union, IATSE, Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Comcast, Bectu (British union), Screen Actors Guild.
• When: The announcement was made on a Sunday night via Truth Social in May 2025. Voight's meeting occurred over the weekend prior to the announcement. Industry speculation and reactions followed on Monday.
• Where: The events primarily concern the United States (Hollywood, Mar-a-Lago), but also impact international film industries, particularly in the U.K., Canada and Australia.

The proposed tariffs represent a significant potential disruption to the global film industry. Trump's focus on bringing back jobs and securing national interests clashes with the current trend of international co-productions and outsourcing driven by tax incentives and cost savings. While some unions support the idea, citing the need to protect American jobs, the broader industry expresses concern about the potential economic consequences and the impact on creativity and collaboration. The proposal has exposed underlying tensions between domestic production and the globalized nature of the modern film industry, raising questions about the long-term viability of such a protectionist measure.

"The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death."

"It came completely out of the blue. It’s pretty frightening."

"This is a strong step toward finally reining in the studio's un-America addition to outsourcing our members' work."

President Trump's proposed movie tariffs have ignited a firestorm of debate and uncertainty within the film industry. While the plan aims to revitalize domestic film production, its potential impact on international collaborations and the economic viability of studios remains unclear. The proposal has sparked a broader conversation about the challenges facing the film industry and the need for policies that support both domestic and international productions. The future of the tariff plan remains uncertain, but the discussions it has triggered will likely shape the future of the film industry for years to come.