John Voight’s Tariff Proposal for Foreign Films
Actor John Voight recently disclosed that he was the one who suggested tariffs on foreign films to President Donald Trump, prior to Trump’s announcement over the weekend.
“After meeting with various leaders in entertainment, I made recommendations to the President regarding specific tax measures that could benefit the industry. There are provisions that might be extended, and others that could be revived or introduced,” he stated.
“This will support our beloved theaters, which play a crucial role in film and television productions, as well as being significant for the American family experience,” he added.
On Sunday, Trump declared in the Truth Society that he has approved the Department of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representatives to initiate the process of instituting 100% tariffs on American films made abroad.
However, the Trump administration indicated on Monday that the concept was still under consideration.
“Our film industry is critical,” Trump told reporters. “It abandoned America.”
Both Voight and Trump emphasized that job losses in the American film industry were largely due to production relocating overseas.
Voight mentioned, “Our industry has been struggling significantly over the past few years, resulting in many Americans losing jobs in productions that have moved overseas. It was very serious.” He added, “The American film industry is dying rapidly. Other countries provide various incentives that lure filmmakers and studios away from the United States,” Trump noted. “Hollywood, along with many other regions in the U.S., is suffering.”
The actor remarked that the president “appreciates the entertainment industry” and aspires to see Hollywood thrive “bigger than ever.”
Voight, a notable conservative voice in Hollywood, has been a key ally of Trump. This announcement aligns with Trump’s appointment of Voight, along with Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone, as special ambassadors to promote business opportunities in Hollywood.
“I’m proud to call the 47th president my friend. I’ve said it before; he is the greatest president since Abraham Lincoln, and yes, George Washington – my buddy Stallone,” Voight expressed.
