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President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on movies produced outside the United States, a move aimed at revitalizing the domestic film industry. The decision, revealed on Monday, targets foreign-produced films that Trump claims have been detrimental to Hollywood's success. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "Our movie-making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other Countries, just like stealing 'candy from a baby.'"
The tariff proposal has sparked mixed reactions. Doug Steiner, chairman of Brooklyn-based Steiner Studios, supports the measure, while California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized it, stating on X that the action will cause "irreparable damage" to the U.S. film industry.
The announcement comes amid concerns over the declining U.S. box office, which has not surpassed $9 billion since 2019, according to CNN. Industry insiders have expressed skepticism about the tariff's feasibility, citing the complexity of enforcing such a measure on services rather than goods.
The move is part of a broader tariff strategy by the Trump administration, which includes tariffs on branded drugs, heavy trucks, and furniture. Fox News reported that Trump views the situation as a national security threat, emphasizing the need for films to be made in America.
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