No matter how up-to-date you are on the world of pop culture, it’s that international films and TV shows are on the rise in the U.S. For years, foreign productions like Squid Game and Parasite from South Korea, Money Heist from Spain, Dix Pour Cent and Lupin from France, and Dark from Germany have topped the American charts and captivated audiences. However, access to foreign entertainment—for viewers and creators—may soon face new obstacles. Under the new Trump administration, protectionism and autarky are already emerging as dominant national ideals, raising concerns about potential restrictions on the production and distribution of international media in the U.S.
One of the most immediate concerns under the Trump administration is the potential for increased censorship, stricter content regulations, and a heightened focus on nationalism in cultural policy. Throughout his career, President Trump has strongly emphasized his “America First” ideology, often expressing disdain for any media that he perceives as critical of the U.S. or its global standing. This strong nationalist sentiment raises concerns that his administration may seek to restrict or disincentivize content—both domestic and international—that portrays the United States in a negative light. Already, the U.S. State Department has paused subscriptions to major international outlets such as The Economist, The New York Times, and Reuters, a move that limits government exposure to foreign perspectives.1 If similar policies extend to the entertainment industry, streaming platforms and distributors may face pressure to limit foreign films or censor content that challenges American political narratives. This could significantly impact the availability of international cinema, restricting U.S. audiences’ access to diverse global storytelling.
Another set of issues that will likely arise are those involving geopolitical tensions and trade disputes. The Trump Administration’s aggressive trade policies are already shaping the landscape of international commerce, and the entertainment industry is no exception. President Trump recently announced a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada—along with a 10% tariff on Canadian energy—and an additional 10% tariff on imports from China.2 These measures, aimed at asserting economic dominance, could have unintended consequences for the distribution of foreign films in the U.S. Higher costs on imported goods may extend to media distribution, making it more expensive for American companies to license, import, or promote international films and television shows. In response, Canada has imposed retaliatory tariffs, escalating trade disputes that could further strain cross-border cultural exchanges. If tensions continue to rise, international studios may face financial and bureaucratic hurdles when distributing their content in the U.S., leading to fewer foreign productions being available to American audiences. The economic barriers created by these policies risk limiting the diversity of cinema in the U.S. and reducing opportunities for global collaboration in the film industry.
The Trump administration’s policies have introduced significant challenges for international filmmakers seeking to work in the United States. Early in his tenure, President Trump implemented aggressive trade measures on foreign imports that not only strain economic relations but also indirectly impact the film industry by increasing production costs and complicating cross-border collaborations. Additionally, the administration’s stringent immigration policies, such as extensive deportation programs and heightened visa requirements, have created barriers for foreign talent seeking to contribute to U.S. cinema. The establishment of military bases for detaining immigrants prior to deportation exemplifies the administration’s hardline stance on immigration, fostering an environment of uncertainty and fear among the American people and international artists alike. This climate has led to concerns with Hollywood about the potential decline in global talent participation, which is vital for the industry’s diversity and innovation, As director Todd Haynes expressed, the current political atmosphere threatens the “integrity and point of view” of American filmmakers, as restrictive policies may deter bold and diverse voices from engaging with U.S. audiences. The combination of economic protectionism and immigration barriers poses a substantial risk to the collaborative spirit that has long been a cornerstone of the American film industry.
Finally, the Trump administration’s stance on global digital regulations could pose new challenges for international streaming services in the U.S. The UK’s Online Safety Act, designed to regulate harmful online content, has been criticized by the administration as an extraterritorial tax grab3, raising tensions that may lead to stricter oversight of foreign streaming platforms. If similar regulatory measures are introduced in the U.S., international content creators could face new hurdles in distributing their work, either through censorship, licensing barriers, or additional costs. Such policies could limit access to global cinema for American audiences and discourage international filmmakers from prioritizing the U.S. market, further isolating the industry from diverse storytelling perspectives.
As the Trump administration moves forward with its protectionist policies, the future of international cinema in the U.S. remains uncertain. Stricter content regulations, heightened trade disputes, and immigration barriers all pose significant challenges for foreign filmmakers and global streaming platforms. If these policies continue to escalate, American audiences could see a decline in the accessibility and diversity of international media, limiting exposure to different cultural perspectives. The coming months and years will determine whether the U.S. film industry can maintain its status as a global hub for creative collaboration—or if rising nationalism and economic isolation will push it further away from the world stage.
