President Trump Calls for Passage of Federal Film and Television Tax Incentive: “Let‘s Get This Done!”

For some time now, the idea of a federal film and television tax incentive has had bipartisan support, but Republican lawmakers have been waiting on word from the White House.

Now, it seems, that word has come. On Monday, President Donald Trump posted that he wants to “get this done“ in a lengthy Truth Social message expressing support for the idea of a federal tax credit.

“Hollywood is a Complete and Total Disaster! Despite the name, it is getting very little work. There is no incentive to be there, and it is hurting California very badly,“ Trump wrote. “Jon [Voight], and many others in the Industry, are suggesting we do Federal Tax Incentives in order to Make our Movie and Television Production Business GREAT AGAIN, perhaps GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE!“

The president added, “Meetings are being set up with the Leaders of both Parties in order to get this done. It should be Bipartisan, especially since so much money is being lost in California, and other largely Blue States. I am going to suggest that Republicans and Democrats get together, and immediately craft Legislation to save the Movie, Television, and Entertainment Business in America. Congress should approve, immediately, a Federal Production Incentive to create Entertainment Jobs in America. It can be done quickly, accurately, efficiently and, importantly, will benefit ALL of America.“

The message seemingly was posted after Trump met with his “special ambassador to Hollywood“ Jon Voight, who has championed the tax incentive for some time alongside a coalition of industry organizations and figures.

The Motion Picture Association, the trade group representing major studios and streamers, quickly celebrated the statement on Monday.

“A federal incentive would be a landmark step toward bringing more production to local communities in all 50 states, strengthening our nation’s economy, and making our country a more competitive place to produce, create, and tell great stories,“ the trade group said. “We applaud President Trump’s support for this vital action, and we look forward to continuing to work with the White House and bipartisan leaders in Congress to enact a meaningful and effective national incentive into law.”

More to come.