President Trump’s vision for American movie production reignites with Netflix’s massive $1 billion investment in a new “state-of-the-art” studio complex at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey—creating 1,500 permanent film jobs and aligning perfectly with Trump’s 100% tariff on foreign-made films.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix is transforming a 292-acre former U.S. Army base into its East Coast production hub with 12 sound stages and 500,000 square feet of facilities
- The project will create 1,500 permanent production jobs and 3,500 construction jobs, with completion expected by 2028
- New Jersey’s generous tax incentives, including $387 million in credits and up to 40% credit on qualified expenses, were critical in securing the deal
- The development aligns with President Trump’s agenda to revitalize American film production through protective measures like his 100% tariff on foreign-produced movies
- Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos emphasized the company has contributed $125 billion to the U.S. economy over the past four years
A Strategic Investment in American Production
Netflix’s decision to establish a massive production facility at the former Fort Monmouth military base represents one of the largest investments in American film infrastructure in recent years. The streaming giant is committing $1 billion to develop Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth, which will feature twelve soundstages, extensive post-production facilities, office space, and backlots. This development transforms an underutilized military installation into a powerhouse of the creative industry, precisely the kind of domestic investment President Trump has championed through his America First policies.
“Over the past four years, Netflix has contributed $125 billion to the U.S. economy and hired more than 140,000 cast and crew members,” stated Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO.
The Fort Monmouth project aligns perfectly with President Trump’s recent announcement of a 100% tariff on foreign-produced films. This protective policy aims to encourage productions to remain on American soil, creating jobs for American workers and reinvigorating the domestic film industry. Netflix’s investment demonstrates that major studios are responding positively to the administration’s approach, bringing billions in economic activity back to the United States rather than outsourcing to international locations.
New Jersey’s Competitive Advantage
New Jersey secured this landmark investment largely due to its aggressive film incentive program, which Governor Phil Murphy has described as “the single best film-incentive program in the entire country.” The state offers up to 35% credit on qualified film production expenses and up to 40% for digital media post-production. These incentives, extended through June 2039, provide long-term stability for production companies planning major investments. This approach has elevated New Jersey to become the sixth-largest state for film and TV productions.
State officials have made significant commitments to streamline bureaucratic processes that have hampered film production in other states, particularly California. Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone has directly addressed industry concerns about red tape by promising, “We will make this easy for you.” This business-friendly approach contrasts sharply with the regulatory burdens in Democrat-controlled states that have driven production overseas, costing American jobs and tax revenue.
Economic Impact and Bipartisan Support
The Netflix development has garnered support across party lines, with even initial skeptics acknowledging its value. State Senator Declan Scanlon, a Republican who initially opposed the tax credit program, has publicly admitted, “I was wrong.” This rare admission from a politician underscores the undeniable economic benefits of the project, which will create 1,500 permanent production jobs and over 3,500 construction jobs. The facility’s projected completion by 2028 ensures long-term employment opportunities in a region that has seen manufacturing decline.
“The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death. Other countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States,” stated Donald Trump, President.
Industry professionals have emphasized the importance of these tax incentives in maintaining American competitiveness in film production. Actor Jared Johnston noted that competitive tax breaks are essential “to keep productions and the thousands of union jobs that TV/film creates here.” This pragmatic approach recognizes that without incentives comparable to those offered internationally, America risks losing not just productions but entire industries to foreign competitors who actively court Hollywood with generous subsidies.
Revitalizing American Film Production
Netflix’s Fort Monmouth project exemplifies the effective implementation of President Trump’s vision to revitalize American manufacturing and content creation. Rather than allowing foreign countries to siphon away American creative industries through predatory incentives, the administration’s protective tariffs, combined with strategic state-level incentives, create conditions where major companies choose to invest domestically. The result is a win for American workers, the economy, and cultural influence.
“We’re kicking California’s ass,” stated Sen. Declan Scanlon.
This development represents a significant milestone in America’s cultural resurgence under President Trump’s leadership. By creating conditions where American companies find it more advantageous to invest domestically than abroad, the administration is effectively reversing decades of offshoring and outsourcing that have hollowed out American industries. The Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth project stands as a testament to what happens when government policy aligns with business interests to prioritize American workers and American content creation.
