Trump Says Non-US Movies to Be Hit With 100% Tariffs: A New Front in the Culture War

In a surprise announcement that has sent shockwaves through the global entertainment industry, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that, if re-elected, his administration would impose a 100% tariff on all non-American movies imported into the United States. The proposed measure, which Trump framed as a bold effort to protect American culture and revive the domestic film industry, has drawn swift reactions from Hollywood, global filmmakers, and trade experts.

Speaking at a rally in Orlando, Florida, Trump declared, “We’re going to bring Hollywood back to America. We’re not going to let foreign movies flood our screens anymore. From now on, if a film isn’t made in the USA, it’s going to be taxed — 100%, no exceptions.”

The comment, which echoes Trump’s protectionist stance on trade during his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, appears to be an attempt to link cultural production with economic nationalism. While tariffs are typically used to regulate goods like steel or electronics, targeting foreign films with such a sweeping measure represents a striking expansion of trade policy into the cultural sphere.

A Revival of Economic Nationalism

Trump’s rhetoric mirrors the broader themes of economic nationalism that have defined much of his political identity. In the past, he levied tariffs on Chinese goods and threatened similar actions against allies in Europe and North America. But the targeting of foreign entertainment content is unprecedented, and experts warn it could trigger retaliatory actions from major global markets.

“This proposal is extremely concerning,” said Michelle Tanaka, an international trade lawyer based in Washington, D.C. “Not only would it likely violate existing trade agreements under the World Trade Organization, but it also risks escalating tensions with countries that have strong cultural exports, such as South Korea, France, and India.”

In fact, some observers believe Trump’s comments were aimed as much at China as at Hollywood. In recent years, Chinese-made films have gained popularity in American theaters, and streaming services have increasingly featured international content. A blanket tariff could serve as a blunt instrument to reverse that trend.

Impact on American Audiences and Streaming Services

The rise of foreign films and TV shows in the U.S. — from Korean dramas like Squid Game to Indian blockbusters like RRR — has been widely embraced by younger, globally connected audiences. Trump’s proposed tariff could drastically limit the availability of such content, potentially reshaping the streaming landscape.

Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other platforms that heavily invest in or license international content would be particularly affected. According to data from Parrot Analytics, international titles accounted for over 30% of top-streamed content in the U.S. in 2024.

“If implemented, this policy would force streamers to either pay steep tariffs or reduce their international offerings, making their libraries less diverse and less competitive,” said Maya Brooks, a media analyst with FutureScreen Research. “It could also hurt U.S. producers who collaborate with foreign studios.”

Indeed, American studios increasingly co-produce films and series with international partners to share costs and tap into global markets. A blanket tariff could discourage such collaboration and isolate the U.S. entertainment sector from one of its largest areas of growth.

Pushback from Hollywood and Abroad

Reaction from Hollywood was swift and strongly negative. Major studios and industry figures condemned the proposal as both economically damaging and creatively stifling.

“Trump’s plan is a direct attack on artistic freedom and cultural exchange,” said director Ava DuVernay. “Cinema is a global language. To impose financial barriers on stories from around the world is shortsighted and dangerous.”

Executives from Disney, Warner Bros., and Paramount issued a joint statement warning that such tariffs could “undermine the U.S. film industry’s competitiveness and violate long-standing international trade practices.”

International responses were equally sharp. France’s Ministry of Culture labeled the idea “an affront to artistic liberty,” while India’s Information and Broadcasting Minister warned that any tariffs could lead to reciprocal action against Hollywood productions.

South Korea, whose cultural exports have become a source of national pride and economic value, also weighed in. “K-culture, including K-movies and dramas, has been welcomed by global audiences including Americans,” said a statement from Seoul’s Ministry of Culture. “We urge restraint from protectionist policies that damage cultural ties.”

Legal and Trade Challenges Ahead

Experts agree that enacting a 100% tariff on foreign films would face significant legal hurdles. Many trade agreements include cultural carve-outs or specific protections against this kind of blanket policy. Moreover, cultural products, while sometimes exempt from standard trade rules, are still subject to basic non-discrimination principles under the WTO.

“Unless Trump intends to withdraw the U.S. from key trade frameworks — a move that would be deeply destabilizing — this tariff would likely be struck down in court or challenged by partner countries,” said Tanaka.

That said, even the threat of such a policy can have ripple effects. Studios may hesitate to greenlight international projects if uncertainty looms, and foreign filmmakers might seek other markets if access to the U.S. becomes more expensive.

Political Strategy or Policy Reality?

Some analysts believe Trump’s statement may be more of a campaign tactic than a serious policy proposal.

“Trump has always used tough talk on trade to fire up his base,” said Adam Blake, a political strategist at Insight GOP. “This might be about tapping into frustration with globalization and cultural change. Whether he follows through if elected is another question.”

Still, the fact that the idea has entered political discourse suggests a shift in how cultural industries are viewed within the larger context of trade and national identity. For Trump supporters, the idea of defending American-made entertainment may resonate, especially in regions that have seen local media jobs decline.

What Comes Next?

With the 2024 election cycle heating up and Trump leading in some early Republican primary polls, his comments are likely to shape the campaign’s cultural and economic debates. If implemented, such a tariff would be a seismic shift in U.S. cultural policy — and a flashpoint for international relations.

For now, the entertainment world watches and waits, uncertain whether this is mere political theater or the opening act of a serious policy agenda.