Trump's Team to Meet with Industry Stakeholders to Oppose President's Tariff Proposal on Film & TV Production Tax Incentives

White House advisors are scheduled to meet Friday with representatives from the U.S. film and television industry to discuss President Donald Trumps stated interest in supporting Hollywood. Senior members of the Coalition for American Production (CAP), representing small U.S. businesses affected by the migration of domestic production overseas, will join TV Academy CEO Maury McIntyre and lobbyists for a session with advisors from the White Houses economic and domestic policy councils focused on federal film tax incentives.

The meeting aims to encourage the administration to reconsider Trumps proposed tariffs on imported films and instead promote a federal tax credit ranging from 15% to 20% that could complement existing state-level incentives. A federal film tax credit is the most effective solution. Its a proven strategy abroad and works domestically. The U.S. lacks a federal incentive, which makes it harder to remain competitive, a CAP official explained.

Earlier in his term, Trump appointed Jon Voight, Sylvester Stallone, and Mel Gibson as special Hollywood ambassadors and repeatedly mentioned plans to impose 100% tariffs on foreign films. Trump described the industrys overseas shift as theft from the United States, a stance widely criticized by industry professionals who argue that tariffs would harm an already struggling domestic market.

Even Voight, who presented a Hollywood revitalization plan to Trump in May, suggested combining moderate tax incentives with tariffs to counter foreign advantages. Lawmakers, including Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), have also recommended pursuing a federal tax incentive rather than punitive tariffs. Current U.S. federal legislation, Section 181, allows a 100% deduction for up to $15 million of production costs in the year incurred, but it lacks the competitive strength of tax credits in other countries.

Hollywood stakeholders view the renewal of Section 181 as helpful but insufficient. CAP officials describe it as a band-aid that does not fully address the challenges facing domestic production. The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has been coordinating with CAP to develop an alternative proposal, and major unions have privately indicated support, though most studios have refrained from public advocacy due to concerns about provoking the President.

The White House meeting follows multiple discussions on Capitol Hill, which were reportedly well-received. However, final approval from the President is seen as essential for bipartisan support for a federal incentive, which CAP officials hope can be framed as nonpartisan and aligned with Trumps domestic job agenda.

The U.S. film and television industry supports over 2.3 million jobs and generates more than $229 billion in wages annually, with over 122,000 businesses nationwide, most employing fewer than 10 people. It also contributes $22.6 billion in exports and a $15.3 billion trade surplus. Despite recent consolidation trends, including Netflixs bid to acquire Warner Bros., the sector faces ongoing challenges from global competition and shifting production incentives.

CAP, established this year in response to Trumps initial tariff proposals, has prior experience lobbying for increased state-level film tax incentives. States including California, Georgia, Texas, and Louisiana have launched their own programs to attract domestic production, while foreign countries such as Canada, the UK, Australia, and Ireland offer more lucrative incentives that have drawn U.S. projects abroad.

Author: Connor Blake