Trump Advocates U.S. Military Action in Mexico; Proposes Tariffs on Foreign Films
President Trump has proposed deploying U.S. troops to Mexico to fight drug cartels, which was rejected by Mexico’s President. He also announced intentions for a 100% tariff on foreign films citing national security. Critics highlight the impact on jobs within the U.S. film industry. Furthermore, Trump met with former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, who thanked him for a pardon related to January 6. The president’s moves showcase his controversial policy stances and attempts at reshaping narrative around security and cinema.
On Sunday, President Donald Trump reiterated his desire for U.S. troops to engage drug cartels in Mexico. This proposal was swiftly rebuffed by Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, who stressed that both countries could collaborate but must independently manage their own territories. Trump made these comments aboard Air Force One, calling the cartels “horrible people” involved in widespread violence and illicit drug trade, placing substantial blame on them for damage in the U.S. He noted, “The cartels are trying to destroy our country. They’re evil.”
In a separate development, Trump announced his intention to impose a hefty 100% tariff on foreign-produced films. He termed the influx of international cinema a national security threat and directed U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to initiate tax measures on such content. This decision raised eyebrows regarding its implications, not just for the large Hollywood studios but also for independent filmmakers. The Motion Picture Association remained silent on the announcement, possibly waiting to see the finer points on this radical move.
Uncertainty surrounds what types of films this tariff would encompass. Would it penalize all foreign films, including independent projects shown at local cinemas? There are countless considerations—productions often entail extensive international collaboration, from filming locations to post-production work done overseas. While most films shown in U.S. cinemas originate domestically, many utilize international venues primarily for cost savings.
Countries like Canada and Australia offer enticing tax incentives that American studios take advantage of, leading to job losses back in the States. Since the pandemic and declining theater attendance have tightened budgets, many workers are feeling the pinch. Michael F. Miller Jr., a vice president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, remarked on the situation, emphasizing the detrimental impact on Hollywood’s working class.
Governor Gavin Newsom has responded to these challenges by proposing larger funding for California’s film tax incentives to attract productions back to the state, as lawmakers are under pressure to safeguard local jobs. Meanwhile, Trump had previously appointed Hollywood stars Mel Gibson, Sylvester Stallone, and Jon Voight as ambassadors to promote the revival of the U.S. film industry. As of now, their roles appear uncertain, as there have been no significant public initiatives from them.
Additionally, during the same period, Trump expressed the ambition of transforming Alcatraz back into a working prison, intending it to hold the “most ruthless and violent offenders.” This statement came with the notion that current safety standards are lacking in the United States. Trump’s remarks suggest he may be seeking to rebuild the infamous prison as a symbol of law and order, despite no concrete plans or funding to execute this costly idea.
Scott Wiener, a California state senator, criticized the notion, labeling it as absurd, while a spokesperson for Governor Newsom dismissed it as another distraction from pressing issues. Alcatraz, once known for housing infamous criminals, has since been repurposed as a popular tourist spot. Current federal facilities are equipped with higher security measures and better infrastructure,
On a more controversial note, former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio expressed gratitude to Trump for his recent pardon, significantly reducing his prison sentence for crimes connected to the January 6 Capitol riots. During a brief encounter at Mar-a-Lago, Tarrio said Trump acknowledged the hardships he and his family endured during his incarceration, and Tarrio felt the meeting was impactful. Trump’s clemency has been a point of contention, as he continues to frame the events of January 6 in a manner that many view as an attempt to rewrite history.
Overall, President Trump’s calls for military support in Mexico and new tariffs on foreign films reflect his ongoing political strategies as he navigates complex relationships with neighboring countries and America’s entertainment industry. Both topics, though seemingly disparate, showcase his penchant for bold declarations and controversial policy proposals.
In summary, President Trump’s latest announcements about U.S. troops assisting in Mexico and a proposed 100% tariff on foreign films exemplify his unyielding approach to both national security and American entertainment policies. Mexico’s President quickly rejected the military proposal while concerns about job losses in Hollywood remain paramount. Additionally, the former president’s interactions with Tarrio underscore the ongoing complexities and controversies surrounding the January 6th incident, adding to the tumultuous political landscape of the nation.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
