Saturday, March 29, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a double shock with two major policy moves that are already sparking global and domestic debate. In a surprising announcement on Truth Social, Trump declared a 100% tariff on all foreign films imported into the United States. Simultaneously, he has ordered the reopening of the infamous Alcatraz prison, which has remained closed for over six decades.
The foreign film tariff, Trump claims, is designed to revive the American film industry, which he says is under threat from foreign influence and outsourcing. “Foreign countries are stealing our studios and filmmakers by luring them away from America,” Trump wrote, branding it not just an economic concern, but a national security threat. He added, “We want films made in America. The American film industry is dying fast, and this is a coordinated attack on our culture and mindset.”
The new import duty means that all movies entering the U.S. from other countries will face double the price in taxes, a move experts say could shake the global entertainment market and raise costs for American cinemas and streaming platforms that rely on international content.
Trump has framed the policy as part of his “America First” vision, arguing that domestic studios must be protected from foreign competition. Critics argue it could backfire by reducing cultural exchange and limiting U.S. consumer access to global cinema.
In a second unexpected move, Trump announced that the notorious Alcatraz federal prison in San Francisco Bay will be rebuilt and reopened to house what he called “America’s most dangerous criminals.” The prison was shut down in 1963 and later became a major tourist attraction, known for its high-security reputation and housing infamous inmates like Al Capone.
“Alcatraz will once again be a fortress,” Trump stated in his Truth Social post. He confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security have been directed to reconstruct the facility as an ultra-modern supermax prison.
While some supporters have praised the decisions as bold steps to protect American industry and security, others have raised alarms. Civil liberties advocates are questioning the symbolism and necessity of reopening Alcatraz, which has a dark history. Meanwhile, film industry professionals fear the tariff could stifle creativity and international collaboration.
These announcements come amid growing cultural and economic tensions during Trump’s second term, reflecting his continued efforts to reshape domestic policy and international trade under a more nationalist agenda.
As the world reacts to this Trump foreign film tariff Alcatraz plan, both Hollywood and Washington prepare for what could be prolonged legal and political battles ahead.
