Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced sweeping proposals on Sunday via his social media platform Truth Social, vowing to impose 100% tariffs on foreign films and reopen the defunct Alcatraz prison, citing threats to American cultural and national security.

Calling the U.S. film industry “dying a very fast death,” Trump blamed foreign governments for luring Hollywood talent and studios overseas. He directed the Department of Commerce and the Office of the United States Trade Representative to “immediately begin the process” of tariff implementation.

“Hollywood and many other areas in the U.S. are being drained. This is coordinated by other countries and is a National Security Threat,” Trump posted.

Cultural Tariffs and Trade Fallout

Trump’s call for 100% tariffs on all foreign films marks a dramatic escalation in his long-standing trade-first approach to economic policy. While the U.S. remains a global leader in film production and box office revenue, data from international markets show a gradual erosion of American dominance, particularly in film production budgets and theatrical access abroad.

The implications of such tariffs could be far-reaching:

• Increased production costs for studios working on international co-productions
• Retaliatory trade measures, such as market restrictions or content quotas
• Reduced international collaboration and funding opportunities
• Strained diplomatic ties in the cultural and creative sectors

China has already responded to earlier U.S. tariffs by cutting import quotas for American films, stating that U.S. trade policies are negatively affecting domestic interest in U.S. cinema. In a statement, China’s film regulatory agency warned:

“Abusive trade measures by U.S. authorities will inevitably reduce audience interest in American films. We will follow market rules, respect public preferences, and moderately reduce U.S. film imports.”

Currently, China imposes 125% tariffs on U.S. goods in retaliation to Trump’s earlier 145% tariffs on Chinese imports. All other countries face a 10% U.S. tariff, which is expected to rise in the coming months under Trump’s proposed measures.

Alcatraz Reopening Plan

In a separate post, Trump declared his intent to reopen the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, closed since 1963, and repurpose it to house the “most dangerous criminals.” The island prison, located in San Francisco Bay, has since served as a historical site and film set.

“It will become a symbol of law, order, and justice,” Trump stated, without providing operational or budgetary details.

Historically, Alcatraz was decommissioned due to high maintenance costs — three times more expensive to operate than other federal prisons, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Since its closure, it has attracted millions of tourists and served as the backdrop for numerous films, including Escape from Alcatraz.

Policy Impact and Industry Response

While Trump’s proposals have not yet been formalized into legislative or regulatory action, they come amid growing concerns in the U.S. entertainment sector over international competition and shrinking global market share.

However, film industry analysts caution that aggressive protectionist measures could backfire by triggering countermeasures, undermining global distribution strategies, and alienating international audiences — all crucial for Hollywood’s export-dependent revenue.

Conclusion

Trump’s twin proposals — aggressive trade tariffs on foreign films and the revival of a notorious federal prison — reflect a renewed nationalist pivot in his broader policy vision. Whether these moves will translate into concrete actions remains uncertain, but they have already sparked international scrutiny and debate across entertainment, trade, and human rights circles.