Kristen Stewart is considering leaving the United States due to mounting difficulties imposed by President Donald Trump’s film industry policies, which she says prevent her from working freely. The actress, known for her role in Twilight, disclosed her frustrations and intent to pursue filmmaking in Europe during an interview with The New York Times on December 6, 2025, emphasizing her desire for creative freedom beyond the American system.
Directorial Debut Filmed Abroad Due to US Restrictions
Stewart’s first project as a director, The Chronology of Water, was shot in Latvia because she found it impossible to produce the film within the US. She noted that the current environment in America restricts her creative process, prompting her to look to European countries where she can cultivate her career without the limitations imposed by domestic policies.
Stewart described the entertainment industry in the United States as a “capitalist hell” that erects significant barriers for artists. She expressed deep concerns regarding Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on movies made outside the country, describing the proposal as “terrifying” to the viability of filmmaking globally.
President Trump’s Proposal to Tax International Film Productions
In September 2025, President Donald Trump proposed a controversial 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States, sparking alarm in the industry. Trump’s goal, as communicated on his social media platform Truth Social, was to reclaim the US film business and protect American productions. He stated,
“Our movie making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other Countries, just like stealing ‘candy from a baby.’ California, with its weak and incompetent Governor, has been particularly hard hit!”
He continued,
“Therefore, in order to solve this long time, never-ending problem, I will be imposing a 100% Tariff on any and all movies that are made outside of the United States.”
The president concluded his statement with the phrase,
“Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Opposition and Industry Response to Tariff Plans
Governor Gavin Newsom of California criticized Trump’s move sharply, warning that such tariffs could cause irreversible damage to the US film sector. Newsom’s office responded via X, formerly known as Twitter, calling the plan “100% stupid” and highlighting the negative impact on the industry’s future. Despite the backlash, Trump’s tariff proposal had not yet advanced further by the time of Stewart’s interview.
Challenges in Producing Films Domestically
Kristen Stewart revealed that difficulties in producing her film reflect broader systemic problems in the US entertainment industry. Since announcing The Chronology of Water in 2018 at the Cannes Film Festival, she struggled to secure resources in the States and found much greater support abroad. She explained,
“It’s a fledgling film culture there. Look, I’m all about the way we make movies here [in the U.S.], but I needed a sort of radical detachment. I am not a director yet. I need to make a student film. I can’t do that here.”
Stewart’s Broader Critique of Hollywood’s Barriers
Stewart’s dissatisfaction extends beyond politics to the inherent structures in Hollywood. She described the industry as a hostile environment for women and marginalized voices, stating,
“We’re in a pivotal nexus, because I think we’re ready for a full system break. Do you know what I mean? I mean that across the board and also specific to the world that I live in, which is very exclusively the entertainment industry.”
She stressed the complexity of navigating unions and industry rules, which she believes create
“unbelievable barriers for artists to express themselves.”
She elaborated,
“It’s just so difficult to make movies, it just doesn’t need to be. I’m just trying to think of some sort of weird, like Marxist, Communist-like, situation that other people can definitely think, of course this psycho is saying that, but I think it’s possible, especially in these kind of narrow and exclusive environments.”
Relationship History and Past Clashes with Trump
Stewart’s history with President Trump also involves public controversy. Over a decade ago, while dating her Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson, Stewart was involved in a cheating scandal with Rupert Sanders, director of Snow White and the Huntsman. At that time, Trump posted critical tweets targeting Stewart, urging Pattinson to end their relationship.
“Robert Pattinson should not take back Kristen Stewart. She cheated on him like a dog & will do it again — just watch. He can do much better!”
Trump wrote.
He followed up with another message, adding,
“Everyone knows I am right that Robert Pattinson should dump Kristen Stewart. In a couple of years, he will thank me. Be smart, Robert.”
The actors had dated for four years after meeting on the set of Twilight.
Future Plans and Impact on American Film Culture
Stewart indicated that she likely will not live long-term in the United States due to the constraints she encounters but does not want to completely sever ties with the American audience. She articulated her intention to create films in Europe with the goal of challenging the market in the US. “I can’t work freely there,” she said.
“But I don’t want to give up completely. I’d like to make movies in Europe and then shove them down the throat of the American people.”
The actress’s planned relocation and critique of current policies highlight a growing tension between creative voices and regulatory decisions in the entertainment sector. The outcome of Trump’s tariff proposal and the industry’s adaptation may determine whether more filmmakers follow Stewart’s example by seeking opportunities outside the United States, potentially reshaping where and how American audiences access film content.
The Governor tried to explain this to Trump months ago — when this was initially proposed — that his actions will cause irreparable damage to the U.S. film industry.
Today’s move is 100% stupid. https://t.co/kpToiMV5DS pic.twitter.com/rUuLhPct1x
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) September 29, 2025
