President Donald Trump has announced plans to lobby Congress for federal tax incentives aimed at reviving America’s struggling film and television production industry. The move comes after a meeting with veteran actor Jon Voight, whom Trump appointed as one of three special ambassadors to Hollywood in January 2025 alongside Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson.
In a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump called for immediate bipartisan legislation to save the entertainment business in America. He described Hollywood as a “complete and total disaster,” arguing that film and television production has largely migrated to Canada and other countries offering more attractive financial incentives. The shift has severely impacted local economies in California and other key states that traditionally hosted major productions.
The proposal centers on a 20% federal tax credit for labor costs on domestic film and television productions. Voight is working with a coalition that includes the Motion Picture Association, the Directors Guild of America, and various unions representing actors, writers, and other industry talent. SP Media Group CEO Steven Paul, Voight’s agent, and SP Media President Scott Karol developed the specific tax credit proposal.
What’s driving this urgency? The exodus of entertainment jobs abroad has accelerated in recent years as international markets aggressively compete for production dollars. Charles Rivkin, Motion Picture Association chairman and CEO, welcomed Trump’s support and pledged to work with the White House and bipartisan congressional leaders to enact the incentive into law.
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