In a revealing new interview, actress Kristen Stewart has indicated she will "probably not" remain in the United States following President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on films produced outside America. The Twilight star, now 35, expressed concerns about the potential impact on filmmakers and her own career prospects.
Trump's Tariff Proposal Sparks Industry Concerns
Last year, President Trump announced plans to implement a 100% tariff on all films made abroad, claiming the movie industry has been "stolen from the United States of America." In posts on Truth Social, Trump described foreign-made films as "a national security threat" and declared that "the movie industry in America is DYING a very fast death." He specifically criticized California's leadership while making these assertions.
Stewart's European Filmmaking Experience
Speaking to The Times of London via Variety, Stewart described the tariff proposal as "terrifying" for filmmakers. She revealed she recently shot her directorial debut The Chronology of Water in Latvia because "it would have been impossible to do in the States." The actress explained she's increasingly working in Europe because she "can't work freely" in America under current conditions.
When directly questioned about whether she'll stay in the U.S., Stewart responded: "Probably not ... 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."
Celebrity Exodus Following Trump's Re-election
Stewart's comments come amid a growing trend of celebrities relocating from the United States after Trump's return to the presidency. Notable figures who have moved include:
- Ellen DeGeneres
- Rosie O'Donnell
- James Cameron (who permanently relocated to New Zealand)
The Canadian-born Avatar filmmaker recently explained his move to New Zealand by stating he wanted to live somewhere "that actually believes in science and is sane," particularly praising the country's pandemic response.
A Decade-Long Public Feud
Stewart's criticism of Trump continues a public disagreement spanning over ten years. Their unusual conflict began even before Trump entered politics, when he commented on Stewart's personal life following her 2012 relationship controversy with director Rupert Sanders.
At that time, Trump tweeted: "Robert Pattinson should not take back Kristen Stewart. She cheated on him like a dog and will do it again — just watch. He can do much better!" He followed with additional messages urging Pattinson to end the relationship.
Stewart's Previous Responses to Trump
The actress has never been hesitant about expressing her disapproval of the former president. In a 2024 Rolling Stone interview, she responded to Trump's earlier comments: "Of course he had to weigh in on my tarring and feathering. It's like, 'What is this 20-year-old who has no idea about life doing to this man?' He's such a little baby ... F*** you, b****!"
During her 2017 Saturday Night Live hosting appearance, Stewart directly addressed Trump while discussing her personal life: "Donald, if you didn't like me then, you're probably really not going to like me now. Because I'm hosting SNL and I'm, like, so gay, dude."
At the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, she reflected on Trump's fixation with her career and personal matters, calling it "f***ing crazy" and stating: "I literally cannot even understand it. It's such far-out concept that I don't want to believe that actually is happening. It's insane."
Stewart remains married to screenwriter Dylan Meyer and continues to be outspoken about political matters affecting the entertainment industry. Her latest comments highlight growing concerns within Hollywood about protectionist policies and their potential impact on creative freedom and international collaboration in filmmaking.
