Actress Kristen Stewart has openly criticized former President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on films made outside the United States, describing them as “terrifying” and saying they have hindered her ability to work freely in the US. Stewart, known worldwide for her role as Bella Swan in the Twilight saga, expressed frustration with these policies, which she feels have made the American movie industry increasingly difficult for artists like herself.
Now focusing on independent filmmaking, Stewart is preparing to release her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, set to premiere this February. Having grown up in Hollywood with both parents working behind the scenes, she has witnessed firsthand how the industry has changed over time, especially under Trump’s administration.
Why Stewart Chose to Film Abroad Instead of the US
In an interview with The Times, the 35-year-old actress revealed that she filmed her latest project in Latvia, explaining that shooting it in the US would have been “impossible” under current conditions. This move reflects how restrictive industry policies and uncertainty around Trump’s tariff proposals have pushed filmmakers to seek opportunities internationally.
Kristen Stewart condemned the economic environment, stating,
“Reality is breaking completely under Trump,”
and urged for a proactive approach:
“But we should take a page out of his book and create the reality we want to live in.”
Her words capture a mix of disillusionment with current policies and a determination to find alternative paths forward.
Trump’s Tariffs and Its Effects on Hollywood
Trump suggested in September that steep tariffs would be imposed on movies produced outside the US, blaming “other countries” for “stealing” the film-making business and claiming the industry was “dying a very fast death.” While these bans have yet to be implemented, the threat alone has already influenced decisions made by creatives like Stewart.
The actress currently splits her time between Los Angeles and New York but is considering leaving the country due to these challenges. She acknowledged to The Times,
“I can’t work freely there. But I don’t want to give up completely.”
Instead, Stewart has devised a plan to create films in Europe and market them in the US despite the tariff threats, saying,
“I’d like to make movies in Europe and then shove them down the throat of the American people.”
History of Tension Between Stewart and Trump
This is not the first time Stewart has clashed indirectly with Donald Trump. Back in 2012, while dating Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson, she was involved in a widely publicized scandal after being caught in an affair with Rupert Sanders, the director of Snow White and the Huntsman. Both Stewart and Sanders issued apologies, and although Stewart and Pattinson reunited temporarily, their relationship ended in 2013.
During that period, Trump—then a reality TV personality—publicly commented on the scandal via Twitter, urging Pattinson to end his relationship with Stewart. He wrote,
“Everyone knows I am right that Robert Pattinson should dump Kristen Stewart,”
and insisted Pattinson would “thank me” later. Stewart later described the incident as “weird” and admitted she didn’t understand why Trump took such an interest in her personal life.
Reflecting on recent interactions, Stewart also said regarding Trump’s continued involvement in her public image,
“It’s like, ‘What is this 20-year-old who has no idea about life doing to this man?’”
Upcoming Release and What Lies Ahead
Stewart’s directorial effort, The Chronology of Water, is scheduled for theatrical release on Friday, February 6. The film represents her transition into independent and international projects, fueled in part by the shifting dynamics of the American movie industry under policies like Trump’s tariff proposals.
As Hollywood navigates tensions between global collaboration and protectionist measures, Stewart’s stance highlights crucial questions about artistic freedom and the future viability of the film business in the US. Her decision to produce work abroad while still engaging American audiences signals an evolving strategy among creatives challenged by tariffs and restrictive political climates.
