Jon Voight Champions Trump’s Film Tariff Plan: ‘Action is Necessary for the Industry’

Jon Voight, the actor and vocal supporter of Donald Trump, recently shared his thoughts on a controversial plan for the film industry. In an interview with Variety, Voight spoke about the potential for a 100% tariff on foreign-made films. He aimed to restore jobs and dignity to workers in Hollywood.

Voight, 86, expressed surprise at the backlash his ideas received from the film community. “Something has to be done; it’s way past time,” he said. He believes that many people in the industry are actually supportive of the initiative. "We’ve gotten a lot of good responses," he stated, emphasizing unity among union members and producers to tackle problems facing the industry.

Trump’s announcement about the tariff came after a meeting with Voight at Mar-a-Lago. While he claimed the plan is still being explored, it raises questions about its practicality. How would tariffs play out in an industry known for collaboration across borders? For instance, Marvel’s Thunderbolts mainly filmed in the U.S. but utilized locations in Malaysia and a score composed in London.

FilmLA statistics paint a concerning picture: Los Angeles has seen a staggering 40% drop in film production in the past decade. Many productions have shifted to countries like Canada and Hungary, where tax incentives lure filmmakers away. Voight aims to reverse this trend, advocating for similar incentives within the U.S. "Every studio has smart people. They’ve found ways to save money abroad. Now we need that here."

Critics have voiced concerns about the political nature of Voight’s proposal. He, however, insists that this should transcend politics. “We’ve had discussions across the board, and politics never comes up,” Voight remarked.

Interestingly, the response to Trump’s tariff idea isn’t universally negative. The U.S. performers’ union, SAG-AFTRA, has shown support for efforts to increase domestic film and television production, highlighting the potential for economic growth and middle-class job creation.

In a rapidly changing global film landscape, the U.S. must consider how to remain competitive. With financial pressures mounting, many industry insiders wonder: Will this push for tariffs genuinely revive Hollywood, or is it merely a political maneuver? Understanding the complexities at play is crucial as the film community navigates its future.

For further information on this developing story, visit Variety here.

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