Trump faces backlash over Alcatraz, film tariffs, research ban
WASHINGTON: This week, President Donald Trump stirred controversy with a series of executive actions and bold proposals impacting science, security, and the film industry. Here's a quick look at the three key developments — and the backlash they triggered:
Trump orders virus research curbs, drawing criticism
Trump officially signed a new executive order limiting US funding for 'gain-of-function' research — a controversial type of biological research that enhances viruses to study their potential risks. His administration blames such research for causing the COVID-19 pandemic via a lab leak in China.
The order halts US funding for this research in countries deemed 'of concern,' naming China specifically. It also pushes for new federal controls over dangerous research even within the United States, although gaps remain around how private or non-federal projects will be regulated.
While some health officials like Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the move, calling it vital for preventing future pandemics, the scientific community raised major concerns. Several scientists and public health experts expressed concern that cutting off international research collaborations could undermine pandemic preparedness efforts. Former health officials also warned that the new restrictions could politicize scientific oversight and complicate global monitoring of emerging pathogens.
Alcatraz reopening plan mocked as Hollywood-inspired
Trump announced — via a post on his social media platform — that he wanted to reopen and expand the famous Alcatraz prison to house America's 'most ruthless and violent offenders.' The reaction online was swift — and overwhelmingly mocking. Many pointed out that the film Escape from Alcatraz, starring Clint Eastwood, had aired on TV near Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort the night before his announcement. Social media users joked that Trump appeared to be confusing movie fiction with real-world policy making.
Reporters pressed Trump on the inspiration behind the idea. He half-joked: 'I guess I was supposed to be a movie maker,' while emphasizing Alcatraz's symbolism of law and order. However, experts quickly highlighted that operating a prison on an isolated island would be extremely costly — one reason Alcatraz closed in the 1960s. Shark attack myths around the prison were also debunked as Trump referenced them in his comments. The Bureau of Prisons has been tasked with evaluating the plan, but many view it as more symbolic political messaging than a practical project.
Hollywood blasts Trump's proposedtariffs on foreign films
Trump's announcement that he would seek 100 percent tariffs on foreign-made films was met with confusion and concern across Hollywood. Writing on Truth Social, Trump said he wanted to 'Make Movies Made in America Again' by penalizing productions filmed overseas.
Industry insiders blasted the idea as unrealistic and damaging. Entertainment lawyer Jonathan Handel pointed out that major US franchises like James Bond and Mission: Impossible film abroad for creative reasons. Imposing tariffs on films would be legally complex, raise production costs, reduce the number of films available, and potentially cripple U.S. theaters and streamers.
Unions like SAG-AFTRA cautiously welcomed any moves to boost domestic production but stressed that 'sensible incentives' — not penalties — are the way forward. California Governor Gavin Newsom called for strengthening film tax credits, not tariffs, while Australian officials warned that collaboration, not barriers, makes for better filmmaking. Despite industry backlash, the White House said it is merely 'exploring options' and has not yet finalized any tariff measures. — Agencies
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