Teamsters leader Sean O’Brien backs President Donald Trump’s 100% foreign film tariff plan, believing it can revive U.S. movie jobs and rein in Hollywood outsourcing.

Teamsters on Trump’s Tariff Train 

July 10, 2025: Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien, along with the Motion Picture Division’s Lindsay Dougherty, threw their support behind Donald Trump’s move to impose a 100% tariff on foreign-produced films. Their message? This controversial proposal could bring Hollywood jobs—like camera operators, set crew, and grips—back to American workers.

O’Brien criticized Hollywood studios for outsourcing domestic film production overseas, calling it an “un‑American addiction” that exploits tax loopholes and sidelines union talent. He applauded Trump for “boldly supporting good union jobs” and emphasized his commitment to putting workers—regardless of political party—first.

Why Hollywood Unions Are Listening

Protecting domestic jobs: O’Brien argues the tariff could curb the flight of film production to places offering cheaper labor and subsidies, shifting work back to U.S. crews.

Bipartisan solidarity: He emphasized the Teamsters support any politician—even Trump—who champions American workers, distancing worker protection from partisan politics.

Beyond the balance sheet: O’Brien criticized studio priorities, claiming they often value shareholder returns over creative labor and homegrown production.

Industry Reaction & Concerns

Hollywood’s hesitancy: While some insiders agree on protecting domestic workforce, studios warn tariffs may be legally tricky to apply and could provoke trade retaliation.

Alternative solutions sought: Union leaders like Fran Drescher (SAG-AFTRA) and Jon Voight, along with others, prefer strategic tax incentives or federal subsidies as opposed to punitive tariffs. California lawmakers are even proposing a $7.5 billion federal tax credit for film production.

What Comes Next?

Policy push: O’Brien and the Teamsters plan to continue lobbying, regardless of Washington’s stance or who holds power.

Potential deal: The team, including Voight and Stallone, is expected to discuss incentive structures and infrastructure support for the industry.

Watch points: Whether the tariff idea gains legislative traction—and how studios, unions, and government agencies respond—will shape the future of American filmmaking.

Sean O’Brien’s embrace of Trump’s tariff strategy could mark a turning point in the union-driven push to repatriate Hollywood jobs. Whether this sparks a production comeback or debates on trade policy, one thing is clear: labor leaders are no longer playing it safe—they’re stepping into the center of national economic agenda.