President Trump’s proposal for a 100% tariff on foreign-produced films is gaining unexpected support from Hollywood workers who’ve lost their jobs to overseas tax incentives, while major studios brace for potential industry upheaval.
At a Glance
- Trump has proposed imposing a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States to protect American film industry jobs
- Retired visual effects artist Dave Rand, a lifelong Democrat who voted for Trump in 2024, supports the tariff despite potential harm to foreign workers
- Trump labeled the situation a national security threat, stating the American movie industry is “dying” due to foreign incentives
- Hollywood studios, which benefit from foreign subsidies, are largely resistant to the proposal
- Jon Voight, a Trump ambassador in Hollywood, has proposed a comprehensive plan including federal incentives and infrastructure support
Hollywood Workers Back Trump’s Tariff Proposal
Former visual effects artist Dave Rand represents a growing contingent of entertainment industry professionals supporting President Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on foreign-produced films. Rand, who lost his job when visual effects company Rhythm & Hues went bankrupt, now advocates for the tariffs from his home in Millinocket, Maine. His stance reflects the concerns of American film workers who have watched their industry migrate overseas in pursuit of lucrative tax credits and subsidies offered by foreign governments.
The proposal has created unusual political alignments within Hollywood. Rand, a self-described lifelong Democrat, voted for Trump in 2024 specifically because of the Republican president’s focus on protecting American workers through tariffs. This issue has transcended traditional political boundaries, uniting workers concerned about job security regardless of party affiliation. Industry professionals who have witnessed the exodus of production jobs to Canada, the UK, and other countries offering generous tax incentives see the tariffs as a potential solution.
Thank God for Jon Voight who is one one of the very few actors with a business brain!
Robert De Niro is a crazed has been grandfather !
https://t.co/ZxzujKJOmI— mhdude1 (@Mhdude1Mhdude1) May 15, 2025
National Security Concerns and Implementation Plans
President Trump has framed the exodus of film production as more than an economic issue, declaring it a threat to national security. He described the American movie industry as “dying” due to foreign incentives that have lured productions away from traditional hubs like Hollywood. The administration has authorized the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to begin implementing the tariffs, signaling the seriousness of this policy initiative. Trump has also committed to consulting with industry insiders before finalizing details.
“I’m not looking to hurt the industry; I want to help the industry,” said President Trump.
Jon Voight, serving as a Trump ambassador within Hollywood, has proposed a comprehensive approach that extends beyond tariffs. His plan includes federal incentives, co-production treaties, infrastructure subsidies, and job training programs. This multi-faceted strategy suggests that tariffs are just one component of a broader effort to revitalize the American film industry and secure its future against foreign competition. The administration appears to be considering this more nuanced approach rather than relying solely on punitive measures.
Industry Resistance and Economic Realities
Despite support from displaced workers, the proposal faces significant resistance from studio executives and industry leaders who have built their business models around foreign subsidies. David Yocis, an attorney familiar with the situation, highlights the entrenchment of these subsidies in Hollywood’s operations. Major studios have designed their production strategies to maximize tax benefits by filming in locations offering the most generous incentives, creating a “race to the bottom” as countries compete to attract productions.
“The studios liked the system where they get to benefit from subsidies on VFX,” explained David Yocis.
Rand and other supporters acknowledge potential short-term disruption but believe the long-term benefits for American workers justify the policy. “They’re using this subsidy thing like a shell game to keep us nomadic and weak,” Rand stated, referring to how visual effects artists must constantly relocate to follow tax incentives. His hometown of Millinocket suffered economically due to foreign competition in the paper industry, and he sees parallels with film production. Proponents argue that tariffs would create a more level playing field, allowing American workers to compete based on talent rather than tax advantages.
Previous Efforts and Future Prospects
This is not the first attempt to address foreign subsidies in film production. Rand previously organized VFX artists to protest Canadian subsidies that were affecting U.S. jobs. The law firm Picard Kentz & Rowe, which represents the U.S. lumber industry, recognized similarities with the VFX industry and proposed a “countervailing duty” on VFX files. These earlier efforts failed to gain traction, largely because studios benefited from the subsidy system and resisted changes that might increase their production costs.
“He’s gonna cut a fair deal. You’re going to see a flow back to the U.S. It’s going to be a little painful,” predicted Rand regarding Trump’s approach.
Trump’s presidential authority and willingness to use tariffs as a policy tool have revitalized hopes among workers who previously failed to achieve meaningful changes through traditional channels. While the ultimate effectiveness of the proposed tariffs remains uncertain, they have already succeeded in bringing national attention to the issue of film production outsourcing. The debate highlights broader questions about globalization, fair trade, and government’s role in protecting domestic industries and workers from foreign competition supported by state subsidies.
