Actor Jon Voight, one of President Donald Trump’s “special ambassadors” to Hollywood, has unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at revitalizing the American film industry and curbing the trend of runaway productions. On May 5, 2025, Voight outlined his strategy, which includes a mix of federal tax incentives, changes to the tax code, co-production treaties, and infrastructure subsidies for theaters and production companies.
The proposal comes on the heels of Trump’s announcement of a potential 100 percent tariff on films produced outside the United States. Initially made on May 4, this tariff plan was framed as a response to the threat posed by foreign productions that have increasingly lured American filmmakers away with more attractive financial incentives.
Voight, alongside his producing partner Steven Paul, met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend of May 3-4 to discuss the comprehensive plan. They emphasized the need for a collaborative approach involving Hollywood unions, studios, and streamers. “The President loves the entertainment business and this country, and he will help us make Hollywood great again,” Voight stated in a press release.
The plan details a multifaceted approach to address the challenges facing the film industry. It calls for federal incentives for production and post-production, job training initiatives, and infrastructure support for cinema owners. Voight’s proposal also mentions the imposition of tariffs in “certain limited circumstances,” although specifics on when and how these tariffs would be applied remain unclear.
In a video released on the same day, Voight reiterated the urgency of the situation, stating, “Many Americans have lost jobs to productions that have gone overseas.” He highlighted the economic toll the industry has suffered, with many workers struggling to make ends meet. Voight’s sentiments reflect a growing concern within Hollywood regarding the impact of international competition.
While the tariffs were initially met with confusion and concern, the White House later clarified that no final decisions had been made and that they were exploring various options to safeguard national and economic security while revitalizing the film industry.
Senator Adam Schiff of California expressed cautious support for Voight’s initiatives but raised concerns about blanket tariffs. In a statement, he said, “I share the administration’s desire to bring movie making back to the United States. However, blanket tariffs on all films would have unintended and potentially damaging impacts.” Schiff has been advocating for a federal film tax credit to encourage domestic production.
Voight’s proposal has garnered mixed reactions from Hollywood unions. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) expressed a willingness to collaborate on bringing production jobs back to the U.S. without disadvantaging their Canadian members. Similarly, SAG-AFTRA acknowledged the importance of the issue but did not endorse the proposed tariffs outright.
In addition to Voight, Trump appointed Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone as special ambassadors to Hollywood, aiming to leverage their influence to restore the industry’s former glory. Trump has previously stated, “These three very talented people will be my eyes and ears, and I will get done what they suggest.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom also weighed in on the discussions, asserting that the state is prepared to bring more jobs home. Newsom pointed to the success of California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program, which he proposed to increase from $330 million to $750 million annually to incentivize production.
Voight and Paul’s meeting with Trump reflects a broader trend of seeking federal intervention in Hollywood’s struggles. The film industry has faced significant challenges in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, labor strikes, and increasing competition from international markets. The decline in physical production in California has raised alarms among industry leaders who fear losing their competitive edge.
As the debate over tariffs and incentives continues, the future of Hollywood hangs in the balance. Voight’s plan, while ambitious, faces scrutiny from various stakeholders who are concerned about the potential repercussions of such policies. The administration’s next steps will be closely watched as the industry seeks clarity and direction.
In a statement, Voight expressed optimism about the collaboration with the Trump administration, saying, “By creating the right environment through smart incentives, updated policies, and much-needed support, we can ensure that American production companies thrive.” The urgency of the situation is palpable, as Hollywood grapples with the implications of runaway productions and the need for a robust response to maintain its status as a global leader in film and television.
As discussions unfold, it remains to be seen whether Voight’s comprehensive plan will gain traction and lead to meaningful change within the industry.
