Jon Voight Presents Plan to Revitalize the U.S. Film Industry to President Trump

In a bold move to reinvigorate the U.S. film industry, actor Jon Voight announced on Monday that he has presented a proposal to President Donald Trump aimed at reshaping Hollywood and reversing its declining fortunes. Voight, a prominent conservative figure in Hollywood, expressed confidence in Trump's ability to elevate the entertainment sector, stating, 'The President loves the entertainment business and this country, and he will help us make Hollywood great again.' The detailed plan put forth by Voight and his manager Steve Paul includes several key initiatives: the introduction of federal tax incentives, amendments to the tax code, co-production treaties with other countries, and infrastructure subsidies for theater owners as well as production and post-production companies. Moreover, Voight underscored the importance of job training within the industry and suggested the implementation of tariffs under specific conditions. The announcement comes hot on the heels of Trump hinting at a potential 100% tariff on films produced outside the U.S., arguing that the domestic film industry is facing an existential threat from foreign competitors. Trump articulated these views in a recent post on Truth Social, declaring that the industry was 'DYING a very fast death' while other countries are actively courting American filmmakers with attractive incentives. Responding to Voight's proposal, California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, highlighted the state's efforts to stimulate job growth within film production, asserting, 'We’ve proven what strong state incentives can do. Now it’s time for a real federal partnership to Make America Film Again.' Newsom recently unveiled a plan to increase California's Film & Television Tax Credit Program significantly, from $330 million to $750 million yearly in an attempt to retain productions within the state. This initiative isn't Voight's first engagement with Trump concerning the film sector; earlier in the year, the former president appointed Voight, along with actors Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone, as special envoys to Hollywood, entrusting them with the task of revitalizing the industry. While it remains unclear how or when Trump’s proposed tariffs will be executed, he has indicated a desire for dialogue with the industry, reflecting a degree of flexibility. He stated, 'I want to make sure [the studios] are happy with it because we are all about jobs,' indicating a potential shift from a hardline approach. Overall, this unfolding saga presents a fascinating intersection of politics and entertainment, revealing deep-seated tensions within the industry as it navigates modernization in a competitive global landscape. Furthermore, it raises significant questions about the influence of celebrity voices in shaping policy and the challenges of balancing national interests with the realities of a globalized marketplace.