During a promo tour for “Mission: Impossible,” Tom Cruise declined to address a question about Trump’s proposed movie tariff policy.
While promoting “Mission: Impossible“, Tom Cruise avoided political questions at a media event in Seoul.
Director Christopher McQuarrie and the cast joined Cruise when a question about Trump’s proposed movie tariff arose.
A reporter raises Trump’s tariff at the Panel
A journalist asked via translator if the film was affected by the tariff Trump recently mentioned on social media.
The reporter mentioned filming in Africa and asked how much of the movie was shot overseas.
“I’d like to ask this question to anybody who’s up for it.”
“I watched this film and I saw that it was filmed in many different locations around the world, including Africa.
Of course, we all are aware of the tariffs that President Donald Trump has been imposing on overseas productions and films.
So, is this particular movie under that tariff? And how much of the film was shot overseas?”
Tom Cruise avoids comment on Trump’s tariff for foreign-made films
Cruise paused, looked to McQuarrie, and signaled he preferred to discuss the film, not political topics.
“We’d rather answer questions about the movie. Thank you.”
Speaking off-mic to the moderator, he requested the conversation return to movie-related topics.
The moderator accepted the request and moved the discussion forward.
“I think that’s a fair answer,” the moderator replied.
According to production records, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” had an international shoot spanning several continents.
Filming occurred in South Africa, Norway, and the United Kingdom from early 2022 through mid-2023. Additional scenes reportedly completed in early 2024.
Trump warns of threat to American filmmaking
President Donald Trump recently voiced concerns about foreign competition in the entertainment industry.
He claimed international incentives were attracting filmmakers, posing a “national security threat” to the U.S. on his social media.
“The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death,” he wrote.
“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.”
Tariff proposal to counter foreign productions
Trump revealed plans to direct federal departments to explore imposing a 100% tariff on foreign-made films entering the U.S.
Trump continued, “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!”
Although the concept of a movie tariff has been introduced, no official policy has been finalized.
A White House representative said measures are under evaluation to boost the national film economy and return production to the U.S.
Hollywood allies help shape industry recovery plan
Trump has enlisted support from veteran actors like Jon Voight and Mel Gibson to lead an initiative to restore the U.S. film industry.
Voight and Steven Paul met with studios, unions, and streamers to develop a strategy including tax reform and incentives.
The proposal discussed at Trump’s Florida residence includes provisions for job training, tax code updates, and increased support for post-production firms.
Supporters believe these changes could reverse the trend of outsourcing film production and restore the industry’s economic power.
“The proposal includes federal tax incentives, significant changes to several tax codes, the establishment of co-production treaties with foreign countries, and infrastructure subsidies for theater owners, film and television production companies, and post-production companies,” the statement said.
“The proposal also includes a focus on job training and tariffs in certain limited circumstances.”
“The president loves the entertainment business and this country, and he will help us make Hollywood great again,” Voight said.
“The American film industry, and Hollywood, is a beacon for teaching the American Dream to the world and is an engine for job growth and career opportunity,” said Paul.
“It’s essential that we preserve America’s leadership in film and television production.”
He added, “We look forward to working with the administration, the unions, studios, and streamers to help form a plan to keep our industry healthy and bring more productions back to America.
“By creating the right environment through smart incentives, updated policies, and much-needed support, we can ensure that American production companies thrive, more jobs stay here at home, and Hollywood once again leads the world in creativity and innovation.”