Context:

President Donald Trump is pursuing several controversial initiatives, creating global consternation. He has proposed 100% tariffs on films made outside the U.S., alarming Hollywood and potentially impacting international filmmaking. Trump also seeks to reopen Alcatraz as a federal prison for dangerous criminals, though this move is seen as largely symbolic due to potential logistical and financial challenges. Additionally, Trump faced backlash from Catholic leaders for an AI-generated image of him as the pope, which he claimed was just for fun. In a surprising move, Trump's administration aligned with Biden's stance on the abortion pill mifepristone, challenging a lawsuit by conservative attorneys general aiming to restrict access to the drug.

Dive Deeper:

• Trump's proposal for a 100% tariff on films made outside the United States has Hollywood in a state of panic, as it would affect not only international productions but also American-made films shot abroad. Countries like Canada offer incentives to lure filmmakers, complicating Trump's stance.

• The reopening of Alcatraz is part of Trump's initiative to house America's most dangerous criminals in the historic prison. Despite its infamous past, the move is criticized as symbolic and impractical due to financial and logistical concerns, as the island is a popular tourist attraction.

• An AI-generated image of Trump as the pope sparked outrage among Catholic leaders, who found it sacrilegious. Trump dismissed the image as a joke, distancing himself from its creation, although it was later shared on an official White House account, leading to further controversy.

• Surprisingly, Trump's administration sided with the Biden administration regarding the abortion pill mifepristone. This move opposes a lawsuit from conservative attorneys general seeking to restrict access, arguing that the suit lacks the legal grounds to be heard in Texas.

• The administration's alignment on the abortion pill reflects a departure from typical conservative stances. The procedural arguments rather than the merits of the case are being emphasized, with the potential to delay stricter regulations if successful on appeal.