In a surprising move, United States President Donald Trump announced via a social media post on a Sunday afternoon that he plans to impose a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the U.S. Trump's rationale hinges on the assertion that foreign film production represents a "national security threat." He stated, "The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death. Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States. Hollywood, and many other areas within the U.S.A., are being devastated. This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat. It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda! Therefore, I am authorizing the Department of Commerce, and the United States Trade Representative, to immediately begin the process of instituting a 100% Tariff on any and all Movies coming into our Country that are produced in Foreign Lands. WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!"

The practical implications of this tariff remain ambiguous. It's unclear how it would be implemented or which productions would be affected. Many countries, including the UK, Australia, and various European nations, offer tax incentives that make filming abroad financially attractive. However, films often shoot overseas to capture exotic and diverse locations, essential for storytelling in genres like action and adventure. The impact on franchises like James Bond, John Wick, Extraction, or Mission: Impossible, which frequently film in international settings, is uncertain. Similarly, the upcoming film F1, shot on race tracks outside the USA, could face challenges under this new policy.

Additionally, the tariff's effect on movies currently in production or already completed is unknown. It's also not clear why this policy excludes television productions or what the repercussions might be for American films internationally if other countries retaliate against the U.S. for penalizing their productions.