Trump Report, May 4th, 2025

The Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter #320

Here’s the Latest Trump Report, May 4th, 2025

Domestic Policy & Governance

Defense Budget Proposal:

President Trump proposed a $892.6 billion defense budget for fiscal year 2026, maintaining the previous year's funding level but accounting for inflation.

The budget emphasizes rebuilding the military and enhancing deterrence.

Federal Budget Cuts:

The administration proposed a $163 billion cut to the federal budget, significantly reducing spending on education, housing, and medical research, while increasing outlays for defense and border security.

Public Media Funding Cuts:

President Trump signed an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to cease funding for NPR and PBS, citing concerns over biased media.

The organizations have indicated plans to challenge the order in court.

Law Firm Executive Order Struck Down:

A federal judge ruled that Trump's executive order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie was unconstitutional, reinforcing protections of free speech and due process.

Legal & Constitutional Remarks

Uncertainty on Constitutional Duty:

In a recent interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," President Trump expressed uncertainty about his constitutional duty to uphold the U.S. Constitution.

When asked if he was required to uphold the Constitution, Trump responded, "I don't know."

He questioned whether all individuals, including undocumented immigrants, are entitled to due process rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

Trump deferred to his legal advisors and emphasized logistical challenges in applying constitutional protections to large numbers of individuals. Time+4People.com+4Reuters+4

Clarification on Presidential Oath:

In a separate interview, Trump stated that he never swore to "support" the Constitution, referencing the language of the presidential oath, which includes the phrase "preserve, protect and defend."

This comment has sparked debate over the interpretation of the oath and the president's obligations under the Constitution. The Independent+1Wikipedia+1

Foreign Policy & International Relations

Mexico Rejects U.S. Military Proposal:

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly rejected President Trump's proposal to send American troops into Mexico to combat drug trafficking, emphasizing national sovereignty.

Ukraine and Russia:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described his recent meeting with President Trump as the most substantive to date, discussing U.S. sanctions on Russia and military support for Ukraine.

Controversies & Public Perception

AI-Generated Pope Image:

President Trump faced backlash after posting an AI-generated image of himself dressed as the Pope on his social media platforms, leading to criticism from religious leaders and media.

Alcatraz Prison Reopening

Directive to Reopen Alcatraz:

On May 4, 2025, President Trump announced plans to reconstruct and reopen the Alcatraz prison in San Francisco Bay to incarcerate the nation's most violent and dangerous offenders.

Trump made the announcement via a post on Truth Social, emphasizing a return to stricter incarceration policies reminiscent of earlier eras.

Once a maximum-security federal prison housing notorious criminals like Al Capone, Alcatraz was shut down in 1963 due to high operational costs…nearly triple those of other prisons…primarily because of its remote island location.

Despite its current status as a major tourist attraction, Trump stated that reopening it would symbolize “law and order.”

He revealed that the idea was his own initiative, and he had directed the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security to collaborate on the project, which he described as a substantially enlarged and rebuilt facility. San Francisco Chronicle+14Reuters+14Politico+14

Expansionist Ambitions: Greenland and Canada

Greenland Acquisition Plans:

President Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, for its strategic and economic value. In a recent interview on NBC's "Meet the Press," he stated he does not rule out using military force to gain control of the island.

Trump emphasized Greenland’s significance for international security and future mineral wealth. His remarks have sparked global concern and strong opposition from both Greenland and the international diplomatic community. Nation.Cymru+4The Guardian+4AP News+4

Canada as the 51st State:

While Trump dismissed the likelihood of using military force to annex Canada, he maintained that the idea of making Canada the 51st U.S. state remains on the table.

He argued that the U.S. heavily subsidizes Canada and criticized Canadian exports such as cars, energy, and lumber. Despite his openness to territorial expansion, public opinion is strongly against these ideas.

An ABC News poll revealed that 86% of Americans oppose the U.S. annexing Canada, and 76% reject the idea of taking over Greenland, even though a majority believe Trump is serious about both proposals. The Guardian+1The Washington Post+1

I hope you enjoyed your weekend!

Best,

Jack