President Donald Trump came away from a meeting with actor Jon Voight and two Hollywood producers very supportive of a federal tax incentive for film and TV productions. Something that may have caught Trump’s attention was the explanation by one of the producers that he would be forced to shoot a planned biopic of Richard Nixon outside of the U.S. unless there was an American tax incentive.
Indeed, Paul cited his upcoming film about Nixon’s early years — which he said would need to be produced overseas without a viable U.S. tax incentive.
Karol told Trump that a federal incentive could revitalize the industry, return vital economic activity to the U.S. and support local communities nationwide, citing a forthcoming economic impact report prepared by the Motion Picture Association and the coalition.
“The president’s call for immediate, bipartisan action reflects the urgency facing American production,” Karol said. “A competitive federal incentive can help put crews back to work, keep investment in U.S. communities and create lasting economic benefits across the country.”
As part of the effort, Voight, Paul and Karol also met with MPA Chairman and CEO Charlie Rivkin and SVPs of federal government affairs Josh Rogin and Hap Rigby.
The MPA has been working with Voight to push for a 20% tax credit for U.S.-based productions.
Following Monday’s meeting, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Congress should approve, immediately, a Federal Production Incentive to create Entertainment Jobs in America,” calling on Republicans and Democrats to work together and immediately craft legislation.
In a follow-up post Tuesday, Trump wrote: “Great bipartisan response and support in Congress for the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act. We will bring this once great industry BACK TO AMERICA. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Paul is an independent film producer and chairman and CEO of SP Media Group, based on the Paramount Pictures lot in Hollywood. SPMG maintains a co-financing agreement with Paramount Pictures to co-produce feature films and has financed and produced over 30 motion pictures in the past five years.
Pictured above (l. to r.): Jon Voight, Steven Paul, Donald Trump and Scott Karol in the Oval Office in May 2026
