Trump Presses for U.S. Military Action Against Cartels in Mexico…

Trump proposes U.S. military to combat cartels in Mexico; also seeks tariffs on foreign films citing national security. Mexico’s president rejects military idea. Meanwhile, he aims to revive Alcatraz as a prison for criminals. Tarrio thanks Trump for a pardon related to January 6 events.

In the latest updates surrounding President Donald Trump, several significant issues have emerged, including his proposal for U.S. military involvement in Mexico’s battle against drug cartels and his strong stance on foreign films. During a recent social media post, Trump stated he would impose a 100 percent tariff on movies produced outside the United States, claiming it to be a national security concern. This move has raised eyebrows and sparked confusion over its implications for foreign cinema and the industry at large.

Mr. Trump asserted that he has directed Jamieson Greer, the United States Trade Representative, to commence taxing foreign-made films. However, there has been little clarity surrounding his statements. Questions remain about which films would be subject to these tariffs—would they apply to independent films, or just those backed by foreign tax incentives? The U.S. film industry, represented by the Motion Picture Association, declined to comment on Trump’s announcement.

Most films screened in American cinemas are indeed produced domestically, but Hollywood has increasingly sought out international locations for filming, driven by the potential for cost savings. Countries like Canada and New Zealand have attracted major studios because of their lucrative tax incentives, leading to a worrying job loss for thousands of film workers in the U.S. According to industry sources, around 18,000 full-time jobs have been cut in the past three years in California alone.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has responded by advocating for an increase in the state’s tax incentive funding to lure productions back. In a bid to revitalize Hollywood, Trump also appointed a trio of actors—Mel Gibson, Sylvester Stallone, and Jon Voight—as ambassadors. Yet, details of any actual initiatives remain vague.

In a separate and striking talk, Trump stated he wants to restore Alcatraz into an operating maximum-security prison. Shifting to his concern about crime, he expressed a desire to house what he termed “America’s most ruthless and violent offenders” within its walls. Despite Trump’s enthusiasm, California’s lawmakers and officials responded skeptically, highlighting the impracticality of such a project in terms of cost and logistics.

Continuing discussions about U.S.-Mexico relations, Trump confirmed he proposed that American troops be deployed to combat drug cartels in Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum promptly rejected the idea, insisting on collaboration but within respective territorial boundaries. Trump expressed concern over the cartels’ destructive influence, indicating a willingness to assist.

Amid political turbulence, former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio thanked Trump for a recent pardon that significantly reduced his prison sentence related to the January 6 Capitol incident. The two shared an unexpected meeting at Mar-a-Lago, where Tarrio expressed his gratitude and discussed the alleged mistreatment of his supporters. Trump’s comments during this encounter hinted at his ongoing concern for those arrested during the Capitol riot, framing it as a matter of injustice.

These developments illustrate key tensions and dynamics at play as Trump navigates issues of crime, foreign policy, and the American entertainment landscape, amidst a backdrop of rising social debates and national security discussions.

Overall, Trump’s recent assertions further emphasize his controversial approach to governance, raising questions about practicality and effectiveness in both foreign and domestic policies.

President Trump’s latest comments reflect his combative stance on national security and foreign influence in American entertainment. His proposals, including military action against cartels in Mexico and imposing tariffs on foreign films, have garnered mixed reactions and raised substantial questions about their feasibility. These developments highlight the ongoing complexity of Trump’s approach to governance, as he engages in controversial topics while navigating strained diplomatic relationships. Furthermore, the recent pardon of Enrique Tarrio emphasizes the continuing legal and moral discourse surrounding the January 6 events.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com