President Donald Trump on Monday pressed Congress to pass federal tax breaks to revive the U.S.’s film industry, after speaking with his “special ambassador” to Hollywood, actor Jon Voight. Trump revealed he had a “great” meeting with the…
Page A9From§Eachthe early evening edition — 31 August 2026
Trump declares Hollywood a 'total disaster,' demands Congress fix it with tax breaks, then offers Voight meeting as proof
The president's assertion that Hollywood is a 'total disaster' sets the stage for an unusual policy pitch: tax breaks for an industry that, by most measures, remains lucrative. The official line is that federal tax incentives will revive American cinema, and the Congressional ask is centered around this cause. But the evidence offered in support is a meeting with Jon Voight — hardly a comprehensive economic analysis, but certainly a headline-grabber. In defending this sequence, one must argue that Hollywood's health is tied to star power and incentives, even if the word 'disaster' appears a bit strong. The actual economic need is less clear, but the policy proposal is real, and the meeting is documented. In the end, the argument folds under its own weight: the pitch for relief is built more on celebrity than on receipts.
“The president calls Hollywood a disaster, demands a fix from Congress, and then brings Jon Voight to the meeting as evidence. That's the pitch: disaster relief for movie studios, with the star cameo as the ask. Tax breaks for the lot, nothing for the box office ticket.”
“Hollywood is a vital part of American culture and economy, so offering tax incentives is a smart move. If the president calls it a disaster, that's just tough love — and Jon Voight is a respected figure, so his presence only strengthens the case. Did I mention the economy? Wait, maybe I said 'disaster' a little too strongly, but the incentives are what matter.”
The receipts
Jon Voight previously met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago to push a federal tax incentive aimed at reviving domestic film production and saving Hollywood jobs.
President Trump called on Congress to quickly approve a nationwide tax incentive for film and television production, throwing his weight behind a rare bipartisan push to lure entertainment jobs back to the US.
This page is a back-issue: the story as it ran, receipts as they were. The current edition is at the front.