Hollywood heavies call on Trump for tax relief without mentioning tariffs

Politico

12-05-2025

Hollywood is calling on President Donald Trump to help the movie business with some accounting moves that wouldn't include his recent demand for tariffs on films made overseas.
The U.S. should adopt tax code changes that would reduce taxes for film and TV productions, according to a letter released Monday whose signatories include Trump's Hollywood ambassadors Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone.
'These potent tax measures would immediately make America more competitive, expand the American media industry, bring jobs back to America, and support the independent spirit of American business,' said the letter, which was also signed by the leading film industry unions and trade groups.
The letter amounted to high-profile lobbying on behalf of an industry that has steadily lost ground to foreign competition in recent years and realizes it may have found a receptive audience in the president.
'We appreciate and thank you for the support you have shown our industry,' the letter begins. 'We also appreciate your understanding of the need to increase domestic film and television production to bring back American jobs.'
The letter calls for changes to sections 199, 181 and 461 of the Internal Revenue Code that the signatories argue would 'would immediately make America more competitive.'
The coalition noted that the specific tax provisions would help both the White House and the film industry 'achieve our shared goal of seeing domestic film and television thrive' adding the incentives can easily 'be enacted through the current budget reconciliation process.'
The joint push from some of the industry's largest unions comes after Trump posted on Truth Social last week that he would impose a 100% tariff on 'any and all' movies produced in 'foreign lands.' Industry groups were quick to come out against the proposed tariffs last week, decrying them as damaging to the film sector.
Voight's backing is particularly notable given the longtime actor's role as a close Trump adviser. Last week, the 'Midnight Cowboy' star told Variety he was working with the White House to address the larger industry concerns.
Trump's call for tariffs surprised and confused many in Hollywood, but some advocacy groups are embracing it as an opportunity to address larger efforts to help the industry.
'We've always looked to the federal government for film credits as an investment and that would be a great thing to do — to grow that money instead of putting tariffs on it,' said Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition, an entertainment advocacy group. 'Our dog in this race is to ensure that the arts thrive in America and flourish, whether it's fine arts, performing arts, movies or television.'