President Trump recently shared details of progress made with one of his Hollywood Special Ambassadors, Jon Voight. The former president mentioned on his Truth Social platform that he had a “great and interesting meeting” with Voight, who was appointed as a special envoy in 2025, along with Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone.
“He is a fantastic man who loves our country and feels strongly about the Motion Picture and Television Industry,” Trump expressed. He voiced concerns about the industry’s decline, pointing out its shift to Canada and other countries, resulting in decreased production in the United States.
Trump was critical of Hollywood’s current state, emphasizing that it faced significant difficulties in California due to a lack of incentives, and noted its impact on local economies. He suggested that industry leaders, including Voight, recommended federal tax incentives to rejuvenate the sector and make it “greater than ever before.” Trump stated that the funds spent on these incentives would be returned significantly through increased revenue.
Discussions are underway with bipartisan leadership to address the situation, with Trump urging Congress to craft legislation quickly to support the entertainment industry. Voight provided a detailed plan to Trump in May 2025, proposing strategies to “Make Hollywood Great Again.” This plan included federal tax incentives, guidance for job training, and suggested changes to tax codes.
Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, expressed support for the proposal, acknowledging the historical impact of American productions globally. Rivkin highlighted that a federal incentive would strengthen communities across all states and enhance America’s competitive edge in the industry.
Trump, on his Truth Social platform, announced the appointment of Voight, Gibson, and Stallone as Special Ambassadors to assist in reviving Hollywood. He indicated that these individuals would act as envoys, advising him on strategies to bolster the industry domestically, aiming for a revival akin to the “Golden Age of Hollywood.”
The proposal submitted by Voight and advisor Steven Paul included infrastructure subsidies, co-production treaties, and, in certain cases, tariffs to make domestic production a competitive choice. This plan was under review by the White House, aiming to reestablish America’s cultural influence.
White House Spokesman Kush Desai remarked that while Trump frequently consulted his Hollywood ambassadors, the idea of using tariffs to uplift the industry originated from the president himself.