LOS ANGELES: Actress and filmmaker Kristen Stewart has indicated that she may move out of the United States due to her opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly those affecting the film industry.
Read More: Kristen Stewart dismantles Hollywood’s ‘Genius Male Star’ illusion
In a recent interview with The Times, Stewart said, “I can’t work freely in America,” suggesting that she might relocate to Europe to continue her filmmaking career. She described the proposed tariffs on foreign films as “terrifying” for the industry and noted that her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, was shot in Latvia because it would have been impossible to produce in the U.S. under current circumstances.
Kristen Stewart plans dramatic exit from US over Trump’s America-first film industry policies https://t.co/NKLTvRlp2o pic.twitter.com/DA9ndIqXjI
— New York Post (@nypost) January 26, 2026
Stewart added, “Reality is completely broken under President Trump. But I don’t want to give up completely. I would like to make movies in Europe and then shove them down the throat of American people.”
The controversy stems from Trump’s September 2025 proposal to impose a 100 percent tariff on films produced outside the U.S., a move intended to boost domestic productions. The proposal was widely criticized, including by California Governor Gavin Newsom, who called the plan “100 percent stupid” and warned that it could inflict lasting damage on Hollywood.
Stewart and Trump’s disagreements date back over a decade, including personal controversies that drew public attention during her early relationship with Robert Pattinson. The actress has long been outspoken about political issues, and her comments reflect a growing frustration among artists regarding restrictions on creative freedom.
While Stewart has not specified a timeline for leaving the U.S., her remarks signal a potential shift toward Europe for her future projects, continuing a trend of American filmmakers seeking international production opportunities amid domestic policy challenges.
Read More: Kristen Stewart feels like a ‘proud parent’ with Cannes directorial debut
Fans and industry insiders are watching closely to see whether Stewart’s move will influence other creatives in Hollywood or spark further debate about government policies affecting the arts.