Trump Advocates for Federal Tax Incentives to Support U.S. Film Industry

WASHINGTON — President Trump on Monday urged Congress to approve federal tax incentives aimed at reviving American film and television productions, stating that Hollywood has been affected by productions moving to Canada and other countries. In a social media post, Trump noted a meeting with actor Jon Voight, whom he has designated as 'Hollywood Ambassador,' and expressed that there is 'no incentive' to work in Hollywood anymore, which he claims is 'hurting California very badly.' Trump stated, 'Jon, and many others in the Industry, are suggesting we do Federal Tax Incentives in order to Make our Movie and Television Production Business GREAT AGAIN, Perhaps GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE!' He mentioned that meetings are being arranged with lawmakers from both parties to discuss the issue, emphasizing the need for bipartisan support due to the financial losses in California and other predominantly Democratic states. Trump expressed his intention to propose that both Republicans and Democrats collaborate to create legislation aimed at saving the movie, television, and entertainment business in America. The decline of L.A.'s homegrown industry has been attributed to various factors including rising costs and competition from other states and countries. Although specific details about the proposed incentives are not yet available, Trump asserted that the tax breaks would ultimately benefit the Treasury. Charles Rivkin, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, supported Trump's announcement, stating that federal incentives would help bring more production to local communities and strengthen the economy. Trump's initiative comes amid a trend of production shifting overseas, with 45% of U.S. films and scripted television shows shot internationally last year, up from 33% in 2022. California lawmakers, including Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), have expressed concern over this trend and have previously advocated for federal tax credits to address the issue. Schiff noted that state programs alone cannot replace the need for competitive federal incentives to bring production back to the U.S. Trump has previously suggested more aggressive measures, such as tariffs on foreign-made films, but those proposals did not gain traction.