Trump Prioritizes Hollywood Tax Bill Amid Nationwide Flight Ground Stop

Key points

• FAA imposed a nationwide ground stop for departing flights from 4 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. on Nov 13, 2026, due to a suspected issue with the new 'SMART' AI air traffic system.
• Trump posted a 300-word Truth Social message supporting the Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act, urging Congress to pass it before the lame-duck session ends.
• The bill, introduced by Rep. Nathaniel Moran, offers 20-30% tax rebates for domestic production and has 63 cosponsors, including Sen. Adam Schiff.
• Trump met with actor Jon Voight at the White House during the ground stop to discuss the bill; Voight described the meeting as an 'Academy Award-winning speech' by the president.
• The White House did not immediately comment on the timing of the post, which preceded any public statement on the aviation crisis.

Background

The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act was introduced in September 2026 by Texas Rep. Nathaniel Moran. It aims to provide tax incentives to lure film and TV production back to the US from countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia. The bill has 63 cosponsors from both parties. The Cato Institute estimates the cost between $33 billion and $49 billion, though supporters argue the economic return will exceed the cost. The legislation faces challenges in the lame-duck session following the Democrats' midterm victory, with concerns over budget fights and defense spending disputes.

How outlets are covering it

The Daily Beast highlights the 'bizarrely timed' nature of Trump's post, emphasizing the contrast between the aviation crisis and his focus on Hollywood. Deadline notes the bipartisan support, including Sen. Adam Schiff's endorsement, but raises concerns about the bill stalling due to the lame-duck session and cost estimates. Politico reports that the prospects for passage have dimmed significantly after the Democrats' midterm victories, with Republicans regrouping and Democrats prioritizing investigations. Variety focuses on the meeting between Trump and Jon Voight, describing it as a key moment in the push for the bill, with Voight's team claiming momentum has not slowed despite the election results. All sources agree on the bill's bipartisan support but differ on its likelihood of passage, with Politico and Deadline expressing skepticism, while Variety and Deadline highlight the active efforts to push the bill through.

Why it matters

The incident underscores the tension between legislative priorities and emergency response, as Trump's focus on Hollywood tax incentives during a nationwide flight ground stop raised questions about his administration's priorities. The bill's potential passage could significantly impact the US entertainment industry, with estimates suggesting hundreds of thousands of jobs could be affected. However, the lame-duck session's limited time and the Democrats' new majority pose significant hurdles, potentially delaying the bill until 2027. The controversy also highlights the ongoing debate over tax incentives for the entertainment industry and their economic impact.

What to watch

The FAA lifted the ground stop at 8:15 p.m., but the impact on the busy Hollywood weekend and sports schedule remains to be seen. The White House is expected to respond to requests for comment on the timing of Trump's post. The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act will likely be attached to end-of-year funding legislation, but its passage remains uncertain due to the lame-duck session's limited time and the Democrats' new majority. The Cato Institute's cost estimate and the Joint Committee on Taxation's pending analysis will be key factors in the bill's future. The next step is to monitor whether the bill is included in the year-end budget fight or delayed until 2027.