Trump Unloads On Hollywood As A Total Disaster And Demands Action
The plan was to let Hollywood handle its own money. That was the plan. But the reality is the President is stepping in to save the industry. President Donald Trump is pushing for a new federal tax break to bring film jobs back to America. He calls the current situation a "total disaster." He wants the industry to stay in the United States.
According to the Washington Examiner, Trump said this after a meeting with actor Jon Voight. The actor is known as a conservative voice in the entertainment world. Trump wrote about the meeting on his Truth Social platform on Monday. He said he had a "great" time with Voight. The President believes the current system is failing American workers.
Trump did not hold back his words. He wrote, "Hollywood is a Complete and Total Disaster!" He claims the industry is getting very little work done there. According to reports, Trump says there is no reason to be there anymore. The money is leaving California and other states. He wants Congress to act fast. "I am going to suggest that Republicans and Democrats get together, and immediately craft Legislation to save the Movie, Television, and Entertainment Business in America," Trump said.
He says the solution should be bipartisan. "It should be Bipartisan, especially since so much money is being lost in California, and other largely Blue States," he added. The goal is to create jobs right here at home. Trump argues the cost will be paid back "tenfold by the money pouring into" the Treasury. He says the work should happen in the "Movie and Motion Picture Capital of the World." Meetings are being set up with leaders from both parties to get this done.
This push has support from both sides of the aisle. Senator Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, agrees with the move. He told NBC News he was in "strong agreement" with the President. Schiff says they need to bring back good-paying jobs lost to other countries. "Let's work together — Republicans and Democrats — to get this done, and bring the movie magic back to America," Schiff wrote. Rep. Laura Friedman also praised the idea.
The numbers show why this is urgent. According to the Washington Examiner, 45 percent of U.S. films are now shot abroad. That is a big jump from 2022, when only 33 percent were filmed overseas. Senator Schiff noted that more than 42,000 jobs have been lost. These are real people losing their livelihoods and careers. The proposed plan includes a 20 percent tax credit for workers. This would apply to people both in front of and behind the camera. The deal would also require that most work goes to U.S. personnel. It can be done quickly, accurately, and efficiently.
The clock is ticking on this legislation. Members of Congress are working on a bill that could come out in September. The federal incentive would stack on top of what states already offer. This gives filmmakers more reasons to stay in America. Trump says, "It can be done quickly, accurately, efficiently and, importantly, will benefit ALL of America." He wants to ensure the movies we watch are made here. The President met with Voight before proposing tariffs on overseas films. Voight has been lobbying the administration for this specific tax credit. Filmmakers have been running away from Hollywood due to high costs. Trump says, "Let's get this done!" The industry is watching to see if the parties can come together. If they do, the jobs could return to the states that need them most.