Trump’s new film plan receives backlash from global entertainment industry

Donald Trump has proposed a 100% tariff on Hollywood films and TV shows produced outside the United States, claiming it will help save the “dying” American movie industry.

Trump’s tariff plan poses a threat to most films, as producing outside the U.S. has long been a tradition in Hollywood.

In response, more than 100 film and TV associations around the world have united to sign an open letter. The letter urges Trump’s administration to “safeguard the systems that support independent film and audiovisual creation.”

Trump’s “Make Hollywood Great Again” campaign has been widely criticised for disrupting the global nature of filmmaking. Critics argue that the tariff plan will raise production costs and limit the diversity of storytelling.

The open letter not only targets Trump but also challenges algorithm-driven platforms, the growing power of major entertainment conglomerates, and the rise of AI-produced films.

It is set to be released just ahead of the Cannes Film Festival, at a time when the industry is still reeling from Trump’s tariff announcement.

Signatories include Italy’s Audiovisual Producers Association, Screen Producers Australia, the European Audiovisual Production Association (CEPI), the Canadian Media Producers Association, the European Producers Club, and the European Film Academy.

In addition, France’s Société des Auteurs et Compositeurs Dramatiques, Spain’s Productores Asociados de Televisión de España, Screen Producers Ireland, as well as several writers’ and directors’ guilds and other industry bodies, have also joined the opposition to the proposed tariffs.

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