In recent years, politics and Hollywood have increasingly intertwined, with the entertainment industry becoming a focal point for debates on everything from globalization to national pride. But just when it seemed the entertainment industry might be shifting away from its political affiliations, former Disney star Jon Voight emerged as one of the most prominent figures in a movement aimed at revitalizing Hollywood under the leadership of President Donald Trump.
The movement, dubbed “Make Hollywood Great Again,” has sparked both excitement and controversy, as it sets the stage for an intriguing shift in how Hollywood could operate in the years to come.
Related: Bob Iger and ABC Under Attack: New Trump Administration Signals Tensions
The announcement of this political initiative came earlier this week, when President Trump shocked Hollywood by stating that his administration had authorized a 100% tariff on movies not made in the United States. The news hit the entertainment industry hard, with studio stocks—including Disney, Paramount, and Lionsgate—taking a sharp plunge.
However, in what has become a familiar pattern, the White House quickly walked back the statement, clarifying that nothing had yet been decided. But the brief moment of uncertainty raised important questions about the future of the industry and how Hollywood might evolve in an era of political intervention.
Related: Market Mayhem Forces White House U-Turn on Film Tariffs
The Shift in Hollywood’s Direction
As the dust settled on the initial shock of the tariff announcement, Disney, which had remained quiet for a while, finally addressed the issue. In a surprising move, Disney CFO Hugh Johnston commented that the studio would be “happy” to work with President Trump on “things that make sense.” He expressed being “encouraged” by the President’s interest in supporting the movie industry, which has been struggling in recent years. Yet, the core question remains: How does Trump’s proposed tariff policy align with his supposed goal of helping Hollywood?
When discussing the President’s larger plan, a White House spokesperson explained that the ultimate goal was to “Make Hollywood Great Again.” But what exactly does that mean, and who in Hollywood is helping Trump bring this vision to life?
Jon Voight: Hollywood’s Advocate for Change
It’s here that Jon Voight, the acclaimed actor and former Disney star, steps into the spotlight. Back in January 2025, Trump announced the appointment of several notable figures—Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson, and Jon Voight—as “Special Ambassadors” to Hollywood.
Their mission: to bring business back to Hollywood and reverse the trend of productions moving overseas to take advantage of cheaper labor and incentives offered by other countries.
Voight, best known to Disney fans for his role as Mr. Sir in the 2003 film Holes, has reportedly taken on the role of the main architect behind Trump’s vision for Hollywood.
Related: ‘Holes’ Reboot Backlash: Why Fans Are Furious About Disney’s Latest Move
According to TheWrap, Voight presented the President with a detailed plan to revitalize Hollywood’s production scene during a meeting at Mar-a-Lago.
The proposed plan includes federal incentives for production and post-production, the establishment of co-production treaties with foreign countries, as well as infrastructure subsidies for theater owners, job training, and other changes to the tax code. The plan also calls for the use for tariffs in “certain limited circumstances.”
Voight’s Plan for Hollywood’s Revival
Despite the controversial nature of the initial tariffs, Jon Voight has defended the plan with enthusiasm. He told Variety that those in the industry should approach the plan with “enthusiasm and gratitude.”
Voight explained:
“We’ve gotten a lot of good response from people. We’re really rolling up our sleeves and working. I think we have a good plan, and we’re just beginning. This little team of mine has worked very hard to try to figure out things. The union people and producers give their expertise and understanding to this problem, and we’re working together. A lot of people had a lot of input and we’re listening to everybody.”
In a video posted on his Instagram account, Voight expressed confidence in the plan’s potential and reaffirmed his long-standing support for President Trump. Voight, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump since 2016, believes that the proposed changes will help bring Hollywood back to its roots and create more job opportunities for U.S. workers in the film industry.
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The plan to revitalize Hollywood comes at a time when more and more productions are moving overseas in search of cheaper options. While states like California and Georgia have been successful in offering incentives to keep productions within the U.S., the growing trend of shooting films in foreign locations remains a significant concern for many in Hollywood.
One major unanswered question is how this plan will address films that are not shot in the U.S., as they are set in foreign locations. It also remains to be seen whether the plan will apply only to theatrical releases or extend to streaming films as well. These are key factors that could influence how Hollywood adapts to the changing landscape of the film industry.
What do you think? Should the government be involved in where movies are made, or should it be up to the studios to decide? Do you agree with the idea of incentivizing domestic productions, or do you believe Hollywood should remain free to shoot wherever it’s most cost-effective? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
