On May 4, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on all foreign films entering the United States, aiming to revitalize Hollywood amidst global competition. This bold move has sparked debate about its impact on the American movie industry and trade relations. To celebrate American culture amid this news, we share a recipe for a classic American apple pie, a symbol of the nation’s heritage.
Trump’s Tariff Announcement
In a post on his Truth Social platform, President Trump declared that the Department of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative would impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the U.S. “WE WANT MOVIES MADE IN AMERICA, AGAIN!” he wrote, claiming that foreign incentives are luring U.S. filmmakers abroad, threatening Hollywood and national security.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick endorsed the policy, stating, “We’re on it.” However, no specifics on implementation were provided, leaving the industry uncertain about the tariff’s scope, including whether it applies to television series.
Hollywood’s Struggles and Global Competition
Hollywood, a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, generated $279 billion in sales and supported 2.3 million jobs in 2022, according to the Motion Picture Association. However, the industry faces challenges from the Hollywood strikes, the Covid-19 pandemic, and shifting consumer habits favoring streaming over theaters.
A January 2025 report by ProdPro noted a 26% drop in U.S. production spend, totaling $14.5 billion. Studio executives now prefer filming in Toronto, Britain, Vancouver, Central Europe, and Australia due to generous tax incentives, with California ranking sixth. This trend prompted Trump’s tariff, though its effectiveness remains unclear.
Trade Policy and Industry Backlash
Trump’s tariffs follow his aggressive trade policies, including 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, which led China to limit U.S. film imports. Critics argue that tariffs on foreign films could raise costs for distributors and consumers while failing to address Hollywood’s structural issues, such as high production costs and labor disputes.
Before his January 2025 inauguration, Trump appointed actors Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight as special envoys to Hollywood, promising to make the industry “STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE.” However, the entertainment industry, which largely supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, remains skeptical of Trump’s policies.
A Slice of Americana: Apple Pie Recipe
As the U.S. grapples with these industry changes, there’s no better way to connect with American culture than through a classic apple pie. This beloved dessert, often called “as American as apple pie,” is a perfect complement to discussions of national pride and industry.
Classic American Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
- 6 cups peeled, sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Make the crust: Combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until dough forms. Divide into two disks, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
- Prepare filling: Toss apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Assemble: Roll out one dough disk to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Add apple filling. Roll out second disk, cover pie, and crimp edges. Cut slits for ventilation.
- Bake: Brush with egg wash. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45–55 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Conclusion
President Trump’s 100% tariff on foreign films aims to bolster Hollywood but raises questions about its impact on the globalized film industry. As stakeholders await clarity, this policy underscores tensions in trade and culture. Meanwhile, baking a classic American apple pie offers a comforting way to celebrate U.S. heritage. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.