Trump Renews 100% Movie Tariff Threat

President Donald Trump renewed a threat on Sept. 29 via Truth Social to impose a 100% tariff on any and all movies made outside the United States, singling out California and Gov. Gavin Newsom as “stealing” U.S. moviemaking. He provided no timeline, enforcement details, or legal authority, mirroring a similar May threat that never materialized and leaving studios uncertain about targets or how fees would be collected. Experts have questioned whether the administration has the authority to impose such worldwide tariffs and how duties would be calculated, and courts are already weighing challenges to other broad tariff actions. Industry observers warned the move could disrupt Hollywood’s global business model—dependent on foreign markets and co-productions—while the sector is still recovering from pandemic effects and recent labor strikes; markets briefly punished entertainment stocks after the announcement. Trump also flagged new tariffs on imported furniture and has proposed steep duties on other imports such as pharmaceuticals, underscoring an expanded protectionist trade agenda.