Trump Advocates Federal Film Incentive After White House Meeting with Hollywood Delegates

President Donald Trump met in the Oval Office with actor Jon Voight—who serves as the president’s “special ambassador” to Hollywood—alongside SP Media Group chairman and CEO Steven Paul and producer Scott Karol. The trio warned that without a competitive federal tax credit, a planned biopic of Richard Nixon would have to be shot overseas, underscoring a broader trend of U.S. productions relocating to Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and other markets that offer attractive incentives.

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Representatives said the industry is at a “critical point,” with thousands of workers already losing jobs as producers chase foreign incentives. Following extensive consultations with entertainment unions, guilds, studios, streaming platforms, talent agencies and state film commissions, a broad coalition was assembled. The coalition includes the Motion Picture Association (MPA), SAG-AFTRA, the Teamsters, the Writers Guild of America (East and West), the Directors Guild of America, the Independent Film & Television Alliance, Producers United, IATSE, the Coalition of American Producers, Film USA and the Producers Guild of America. Earlier discussions at Mar-a-Lago and a May White House meeting had already presented a 20 % tax credit proposal to the administration.

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Steven Paul praised the president’s stance, describing it as a major step forward for American film and television production. Scott Karol emphasized the urgency, noting that the president’s call for immediate, bipartisan action reflects the industry’s need to revive crews and keep investment in U.S. communities.

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• “President Trump’s public support is a major step forward for American film and television production,” — Steven Paul, chairman and CEO

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• “This is about rebuilding an industry that creates high-paying jobs across the country and ensuring that American stories are made by American workers here at home. We look forward to working with leaders in both parties to turn this momentum into legislation.” — Scott Karol, paul and president

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• “The president’s call for immediate, bipartisan action reflects the urgency facing American production,” — Scott Karol, paul and president

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• “Great bipartisan response and support in Congress for the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act. We will bring this once great industry BACK TO AMERICA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” — Donald Trump, president

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The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act remains the focal point of the administration’s effort to secure a nationwide production tax credit.

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