Newsom, Schiff take rare collaborative tone with Trump on Hollywood revival
California Democrats Gov. Gavin Newsom and Sen. Adam Schiff, who are known for their criticism of President Donald Trump, have surprisingly offered to collaborate with the Republican administration on federal tax incentives to bring movie-making back from overseas. This move comes after Newsom recently sued the Trump administration over what he deemed as an excessive tariff regime.
In a shift from his previous stance, Newsom expressed willingness to work with international partners to protect California jobs and industries, particularly in the film sector. He acknowledged California’s historical role in building the film industry and emphasized the need for a strong federal partnership to revitalize the sector and create more jobs. Newsom even reached out to President Trump on social media, urging him to consider the proposal.
Similarly, Sen. Adam Schiff criticized Trump’s suggestion of imposing tariffs on foreign films, highlighting the potential negative repercussions. Instead, Schiff proposed the implementation of a federal film tax credit program to incentivize domestic production and bring back jobs to the American film industry. He expressed readiness to cooperate with the administration and his Republican colleagues to make this initiative a reality.
The White House responded by stating that no final decisions had been made regarding foreign moviemaking tariffs, emphasizing the exploration of all options to enhance national and economic security while supporting the film industry. Trump’s recent directive to impose a 100% tariff on foreign-produced movies sparked discussions on safeguarding Hollywood’s interests and revitalizing domestic production.
In a separate development, Hollywood actor and Trump supporter Jon Voight, along with special advisor Steven Paul, presented a comprehensive plan to the president aimed at rejuvenating the film and television industry. This proposal included federal tax incentives, tax code revisions, co-production treaties with foreign countries, and infrastructure subsidies for various industry stakeholders. The plan also focused on job training initiatives and suggested the use of tariffs in specific circumstances.
Voight emphasized Trump’s commitment to restoring America’s cultural dominance and supporting the entertainment business. The president’s engagement with industry leaders and stakeholders reflected his dedication to “Make Hollywood Great Again” through strategic interventions and policy adjustments.
Overall, the collaborative efforts between California Democrats and the Trump administration signify a potential breakthrough in addressing the challenges faced by the American film industry. By exploring innovative solutions and fostering partnerships, there is a shared commitment to revitalizing domestic production, creating jobs, and ensuring the industry’s long-term sustainability.
