Teamsters Back Trump’s Tariff Proposal on Foreign Films
Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien and Teamsters Motion Picture Division Director Lindsay Dougherty have expressed support for President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death." He pointed out that foreign countries are enticing filmmakers with various incentives, resulting in a decline for Hollywood. "Our filmmakers are being drawn away from the United States," he warned.
Trump announced his intention to work with the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative to implement the tariff, aimed at protecting American jobs in the film industry.
The Teamsters leaders commended Trump’s initiative, emphasizing that many Hollywood studios have neglected American workers by outsourcing jobs to cut costs. They argue that this practice harms the very foundation of the film and television industry in America.
"The Teamsters Union has long sounded the alarm about this issue," their statement read. "If studios want the profits from American audiences, they need to invest in American workers.”
The union rhetoric made it clear that they appreciate any leaders who stand up for American jobs, regardless of political affiliation. "We applaud any elected official—Republican, Democrat, Independent—who is committed to fighting for American workers," the statement continued.
O’Brien reinforced the point during an interview, noting that America boasts a wealth of creativity among its workforce, but Hollywood’s focus on profits over artistry is concerning. He accused Hollywood leaders of prioritizing financial statements over talent.
He also remarked on how the Democratic Party tends to dismiss Trump’s efforts. "Whatever President Trump does, even if it’s beneficial for the country, he faces resistance just because it is his agenda," O’Brien stated, urging a more collaborative approach to support American jobs.
His conclusion was unwavering: it is time to bring film production back to America, providing good jobs for Americans and fostering talent in the industry.
