Can Donald Trump save Hollywood?

US President Donald Trump has proposed government incentives to help revive the country’s struggling film and television industry, arguing that the move is necessary to bring productions that have shifted overseas back to the United States.

Three major Hollywood labor unions "the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), SAG-AFTRA and Teamsters Local 399" have welcomed Trump’s initiative and urged Congress to pass legislation on the issue as soon as possible.

The unions said government incentives could increase film and television production in the US, create thousands of jobs and benefit local businesses. SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin and National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland said in a joint statement that production is the lifeblood of the entertainment industry and that Trump’s initiative could play an important role in helping the sector recover.

Actor and union member Jon Voight has also played a role in the initiative, according to the unions. Trump has appointed Voight as a special ambassador to Hollywood.

In a social media post, Trump claimed that the US entertainment industry is heading toward collapse. He alleged that a significant amount of film and television production has moved to Canada and other countries, hurting Hollywood as well as California’s economy.

Trump has also suggested tax incentives to help revive the industry, arguing that the additional revenue generated by increased production could eventually exceed the cost of government incentives.

The size of the proposed federal incentive has yet to be determined, with discussions underway with congressional leaders. California Democratic Senator Adam Schiff has also expressed support for legislation providing financial assistance to the industry.

Meanwhile, California has increased its own tax incentives to make the state more competitive in attracting film and television productions. Starting in the 2025-26 fiscal year, the state increased its film and television tax credit allocation to $750 million as the industry seeks to recover from the effects of the pandemic, Hollywood strikes and wildfires in Los Angeles.

Trump had previously threatened in 2025 to impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the US. He later stepped back from that position and has now shifted his focus toward government incentives to bring production back to the country.

Charles Rivkin, head of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), has also welcomed the initiative, saying government incentives could help boost film production again across different US states.

-HIS