Tom Cruise Avoids Question About President Trump’s Film Tariffs

The actor was at a promotional event for his upcoming film, "Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning"—which comes out in the next few days—when the question was raised.

Last week, Tom Cruise was promoting the final installment of the legendary franchise in Seoul, Korea, alongside his castmates and panel members Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, and Gregg Tarzan Davis.

During a Q&A session, one of the reporters presented a question about how the film might be affected with looming tariffs from the Trump administration.

On May 5, 2025, President Trump shared a post on his Truth Social account saying the American movie industry was "dying" and US filmmakers and studios were being "devastated," as other countries offered incentives to lure productions from the country.

"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," the president wrote.

"Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning" was filmed in a few countries outside the U.S., including the U.K., Norway, and South Africa. At the promo event, a moderator was present to translate for the actors in English.

"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?" the reporter asked.

Cruise paused for a moment before telling the moderator off-mic, "We'd rather answer questions about the movie. Thank you." The moderator responded, "I think that's a fair answer."

If the tariffs proceed, Cruise's films—as well as others filmed outside the U.S.—could be impacted significantly. Robert De Niro recently denounced the tariffs in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, which Cruise is also attending.