Kristen Stewart is contemplating a future far from American soil, a decision driven by escalating political tensions and a looming threat to the film industry as she knows it. The actress, known for her sharp wit and unwavering convictions, voiced her concerns over proposed tariffs that could cripple foreign film production within the U.S.
Former President Trump has publicly decried the outsourcing of movie-making, claiming the industry has been “stolen” from America and even labeling foreign films a “national security threat.” He proposed a staggering 100% tariff on all films produced outside the country, a move that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood.
Stewart, already actively working on projects in Europe, feels increasingly constrained by the potential restrictions. She recently completed her directorial debut, *The Chronology of Water*, in Latvia, a location chosen specifically because replicating the production in the United States would have been “impossible.”
“Probably not,” she responded when asked directly about remaining in the U.S., though she expressed a desire to continue creating and then “shove” her work back into the American consciousness. This isn’t simply a professional concern; it’s a statement about artistic freedom and the ability to tell stories without political interference.
This isn’t a new battle for Stewart. Her public disagreements with Trump stretch back over a decade, rooted in a surprisingly personal feud. Years before his presidential ambitions, Trump publicly urged Robert Pattinson to end his relationship with Stewart following a highly publicized scandal.
Stewart’s response was characteristically blunt. In a 2024 interview, she dismissed Trump as a “little baby” and delivered a scathing rebuke, revealing her enduring disdain. The incident, she recalled, felt surreal – a bizarre intrusion into her personal life from an unexpected source.
She’s continued to challenge him through her platform, even using her *Saturday Night Live* hosting gig in 2017 to playfully address his past criticisms and celebrate her identity. It’s a defiance born from a deep-seated belief in speaking truth to power.
Stewart isn’t alone in considering an exit. Other prominent figures, including Ellen DeGeneres and Rosie O’Donnell, have already relocated following the recent election. The trend highlights a growing sense of disillusionment among creatives who feel their values are no longer aligned with the current political climate.
Filmmaker James Cameron, creator of *Avatar*, recently announced his permanent move to New Zealand, citing a desire to live in a country grounded in “science and sanity.” His decision followed New Zealand’s successful handling of the pandemic and its commitment to evidence-based policies.
For Kristen Stewart, the future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: she’s prepared to navigate a changing world, even if it means building a new creative home beyond the borders of the United States. Her commitment to her art, and her willingness to stand up for what she believes in, remain unwavering.
