The point of Trump’s Alcatraz stunt

And who will be Trump's next national security adviser? President eyes Stephen Miller |

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Tuesday, May. 06, 2025 THE LATEST Why Trump's proposal to reopen Alcatraz is both cruel and impractical By Zeeshan Aleem Why Trump's proposal to reopen Alcatraz is both cruel and impractical By Zeeshan Aleem President Donald Trump's proposal to reopen and expand the notorious Alcatraz prison for incarcerating "America's most ruthless and violent offenders" has all the hallmarks of his cruel and reactionary political style. It would be inefficient and impractical, and its primary purpose would be to build a horrifying spectacle out of degrading people whom he deems worthless.   Alcatraz, a 22-acre island in San Francisco Bay, was the site of a 19th century military fortress and then a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. As NBC News reports, "According to a National Park Service study, it was initially deemed unfit to serve as a federal institution because of its small size, isolated location and lack of fresh water. However, Sanford Bates, the director of the Bureau of Prisons in 1933, later found it 'an ideal place of confinement for about 200 of the most desperate or irredeemable types.' It was formally opened as a federal penitentiary the next year."   This is a preview of Zeeshan Aleem's latest column. Read the full column here. TOP STORIES RAY BRESCIA A judge used Trump's own words to expose his real agenda The president and those around him just had to brag — and Howell turned their own words against them. Read more. JA'HAN JONES MAGA world helps raise over $600,000 after woman hurls racist slur at a child in Minnesota   A woman who reportedly admitted using a slur toward a 5-year-old has become a cause célèbre on the GiveSendGo crowdfunding site. Read more. LISA RUBIN Trump's treatment of two Russian women highlights a flawed immigration policy Ex-ballerina Ksenia Karelina was freed from a Russian prison, but Harvard scientist Kseniia Petrova remains in ICE detention. Why? Read more.  JA'HAN JONES Why MAGA Republicans helped kill a bill that sought to punish critics of Israel Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and some of her GOP colleagues helped stave off a House vote on bipartisan anti-boycott legislation. Read more.  TOP VIDEOS KATY TUR Who will be the next national security adviser? Trump says Stephen Miller may be up for the job WATCH NOW MORNING JOE AOC makes 'seniority' dig when turning down bid for top Oversight Committee post WATCH NOW RACHEL MADDOW Massive 'No Kings' protest expected to rain on Donald Trump's (military) parade WATCH NOW CHRIS JANSING REPORTS  Judge questions potential jurors in Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC Sunday, MSNBC Films presents the third episode of "David Frost Vs." The six-part documentary series explores the legacy of legendary host David Frost through his iconic interviews with guests from President Richard Nixon to Elton John, examining key political and cultural moments of the 20th century that still resonate today. The next episode of "David Frost Vs," featuring Jane Fonda, airs Sunday at 9pm Eastern on MSNBC. Beginning tonight, you can catch Jen Psaki at a new time. Every Tuesday through Friday, Jen will continue to use her expertise to dig into the most pressing issues of the day, while featuring one-on-one interviews with the biggest newsmakers. Watch "The Briefing with Jen Psaki," Tuesdays through Fridays at 9pm Eastern on MSNBC. .    MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.   Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE