Newsom proposes to work with Trump to 'Make America Film Again,' floats $7.5B federal tax credit
Context:
Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Adam Schiff, typically critics of President Trump, are proposing to collaborate with his administration on a $7.5 billion federal tax credit to revive the American film industry. This initiative aims to counteract Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign-made movies, which he believes are necessary to protect U.S. film jobs and enhance national security. Newsom, despite previously suing the administration over tariffs, is advocating for a federal partnership to bolster domestic film production. Schiff emphasizes the potential negative consequences of blanket tariffs and suggests a competitive federal film incentive instead. Meanwhile, Jon Voight, Trump's Hollywood ambassador, has presented a comprehensive plan that includes tax incentives and co-production treaties to boost domestic filmmaking efforts.
Dive Deeper:
Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator Adam Schiff are seeking to work with President Trump's administration on a substantial federal tax credit intended to revitalize the U.S. film industry, which has seen production shift overseas.
Trump's administration is contemplating a 100% tariff on foreign-made movies to safeguard national interests, a move Newsom previously challenged with a lawsuit, highlighting his initial opposition to the tariff regime.
While Trump emphasizes protecting Hollywood jobs through tariffs, Newsom advocates for a federal partnership by showcasing the success of state incentives in job creation within the film industry.
Schiff, although critical of Trump's tariff proposal, supports the idea of a federal tax credit, arguing that indiscriminate tariffs could have unintended adverse effects on the industry.
Jon Voight, acting as Trump's Hollywood ambassador, along with advisor Steven Paul, has devised a plan that includes tax incentives, infrastructure subsidies, and treaty proposals to fortify domestic film production.
The White House is considering various options to fulfill Trump's directive of making Hollywood a hub of cultural and economic activity again, though no final decisions have been made regarding the tariffs.
The proposed federal tax credit, if implemented, would be the first at the national level, as existing incentives in over thirty states do not exceed a billion dollars each.