Actress Kristen Stewart has voiced strong objections to the current state of the entertainment industry, describing it as a “capitalist hell” that imposes significant barriers on artists. In a December 6, 2025 interview with The New York Times, Stewart revealed she is planning to build her directorial career in Europe, believing she cannot work freely under the constraints stemming from President Donald Trump’s policies. Her shift reflects frustration with what she calls obstacles in the United States film environment tied to Trump’s administration.
Stewart, well known for her role in the Twilight series, said the introduction of tariffs on movies produced outside the U.S. by President Trump has created a “terrifying” atmosphere for filmmakers. She pointed to her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, which was filmed in Latvia due to the impossibility of shooting the movie in America.
Film Tariffs and Industry Impact Under Trump’s Administration
In September 2025, President Trump proposed a 100% tariff on films made outside the United States, aiming to protect domestic production. Trump’s announcement claimed the U.S. movie business had been “stolen” by other countries and targeted California specifically for its “weak and incompetent Governor.” The plan intended to impose this tariff to counter what Trump called a “long time, never-ending problem” threatening American jobs.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office responded sharply to Trump’s proposal, calling it “100% stupid” and warning it would cause irreparable damage to the U.S. film industry, highlighting the conflict between federal policies and California’s role in Hollywood. Despite the announcement, Trump’s tariff plan has not yet been widely implemented or gained significant legislative support.
Obstacles to Creativity and Freedom in Hollywood
Stewart expressed deep concern about the restrictive nature of Hollywood’s current systems, saying,
“We need to start sort of stealing our movies.”
She emphasized that unions are vital but criticized the industry’s rules and business structures for preventing many artists from expressing themselves freely. Speaking frankly about the entertainment world, Stewart stated,
“It’s just so difficult to make movies, it just doesn’t need to be,”
reflecting her frustration with these entrenched challenges.
Her comments pointed to a broader sense of urgency within the industry for systemic change, as she described the Hollywood environment as narrowly exclusive and difficult to navigate, especially for female and marginalized voices. Stewart suggested that radical ideas might be required to overcome these obstacles, even alluding to
“some sort of weird, like Marxist, Communist-like, situation”
as a theoretical possibility to break down the existing barriers.
Filmmaking Abroad: A Strategic Move to Circumvent U.S. Restrictions
Since announcing The Chronology of Water at Cannes in 2018, Stewart struggled with producing it within the United States. She ultimately chose Latvia due to its fledgling but promising film culture, and her need for “radical detachment.” Stewart explained that she views the project as a learning opportunity to grow as a director, describing it as a “student film” that she cannot make freely in America.
Despite her move abroad, Stewart remains defiant about influencing American audiences. She declared,
“I’d like to make movies in Europe and then shove them down the throat of the American people,”
underscoring her resistance to perceived artistic limitations at home.
Tangled History With Trump Deepens Frustration
Kristen Stewart’s fraught relationship with Donald Trump traces back over a decade to a personal scandal involving her and Rupert Sanders, director of Snow White and the Huntsman, while she was dating Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson. Trump publicly criticized Stewart on social media at the time, calling her unfaithful and advising 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!” ?Donald
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
