Trending Now - David Spade Criticizes Newsom and Bass on Hollywood Issues

WHO:

David Spade, comedian and actor

Dana Carvey, co-host of the podcast "Fly on the Wall"

Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles

Jon Voight, actor and special ambassador to Hollywood

Sylvester Stallone, actor and special ambassador to Hollywood

Mel Gibson, actor and special ambassador to Hollywood

Donald Trump, President of the United States

WHAT:

David Spade criticized California's leadership for the decline of the Hollywood industry.

Spade stated, "the Hollywood industry is dying" during his podcast.

Spade mentioned that CBS Radford, where he worked, has filed for bankruptcy.

Carvey noted that "the Hollywood studio system is dying" and emphasized the need for changes.

Voight expressed the need to bring jobs back to California and supported Trump's tariffs on overseas filming.

Voight stated, "It’s come to a point where we really do need help," referring to the state of Hollywood.

WHERE:

California, specifically referencing Hollywood and Los Angeles.

WHEN:

The podcast episode featuring Spade and Carvey was released in March 2026.

Trump appointed Voight, Stallone, and Gibson as special ambassadors to Hollywood in January 2025.

Voight gave an interview to Variety in May 2025.

WHY:

Spade and Carvey attribute the decline of Hollywood to the mishandling by California's leadership.

Voight mentioned the need for Hollywood to be competitive to attract productions back to California.

HOW:

Carvey suggested negotiating with unions and providing industry tax breaks to compete with other countries like Romania.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 01:45 UTC)

In a recent podcast episode, comedian David Spade criticized California's leadership for the decline of the Hollywood industry, stating that "the Hollywood industry is dying" and highlighting CBS Radford's bankruptcy. Co-host Dana Carvey echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for changes and suggesting negotiations with unions and tax breaks to make California competitive again. Actor Jon Voight, a special ambassador to Hollywood appointed by Trump, called for bringing jobs back to the state and supported Trump's tariffs on overseas filming, saying, "It’s come to a point where we really do need help."