Make Alcatraz Great Again?
Hello! Rebecca Morin here. Sad to say that Journalism did not win the Kentucky Derby – though some of President Donald Trump’s top aides cheered the loss.
MAGA: Make Alcatraz Great Again
On the big screen, the infamous Alcatraz prison has been featured in dozens of movies – from 1979's "Escape From Alcatraz," with Clint Eastwood to the final battle scenes in "X Men: Last Stand in 2006." And now, President Donald Trump wants to reopen the prison that is located on a 22-acre island in San Francisco Bay. The prison closed down more than 60 years ago due to how expensive it was to operate, and has now become one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist sites. Trump said the prison is a symbol of “law and order.
- Trump on Sunday said in a post on Truth Social that “America’s most ruthless and violent Offenders” will be housed at the prison. This isn’t the first time that an administration has looked into reopening the prison, which closed in 1963. The Reagan Administration in 1981 evaluated Alcatraz Island to hold 10,000 to 20,000 Cuban detainees during the Mariel Boatlift. The site was rejected because of its lack of utilities, historic nature and popularity as a tourist destination.
- That’s not the only news the president made this past weekend. During a wide-ranging interview with NBC's "Meet the Press,” Trump wouldn't take responsibility for the shrinking economy, expressed uncertainty as to whether he must uphold the Constitution when carrying out his deportation agenda and said he’s not looking at running for a third term.
A politics pit stop
- 19 states sue RFK Jr., Trump administration for overhauling HHS and staff cuts.
- A fight over marijuana ads in Mississippi hits the Supreme Court.
- GOP Rep. Mike Lawler faces another rowdy town hall as police carry away audience member.
- Trump says he would extend TikTok deadline if no deal is reached by June 19.
- Zelenskyy says Russia-Ukraine ceasefire could be put in place at any moment.
- Stephen A. Smith says he's glad to hear Trump would 'love to see him run.'
Democrats promise ‘brutal’ hearing for Mike Waltz’s new ambassadorship
Mike Waltz, who was removed as President Trump’s national security advisor and then hours laters nominated as United Nations ambassador, is going to face a “brutal” confirmation hearing, two Democratic senators said Sunday. Senate Intelligence ranking member Mark Warner, D-Va., said Waltz will face tough questions from not just Democrats, but likely Republicans after using Signal to discuss highly sensitive details regarding a planned U.S. military strike in March. What to know about the hearing.
Trump’s newest tariff? Films produced overseas.
The next product on President Trump’s Made In America goals? Films. Trump said he will slap a 100% tariff on movies produced in foreign countries. He said in a social media post on May 4 that he is concerned incentives luring filmmakers overseas will send the American movie industry to "a very fast death." However on Monday, the White House walked back Trump's statement, saying that "no final decisions on foreign film tariffs have been made" after Trump's declaration made waves in the entertainment industry. What to know about Trump's tariff proposal.
- What movies could be affected by Trump's tariffs on films produced abroad?
- Image of Trump as pope, call to reopen Alcatraz and movie tariff mark 10th Mar-a-Lago visit.
Got a burning question, or comment, for On Politics? You can submit them here or send me an email at rdmorin@usatoday.com.