So in an administration that's ostensibly trying to eliminate waste in federal spending, this is decision that's hard to justify.

I do believe that in Trump’s mind, this is only a minor, if not inconsequential factor.

His entire program (at least that part not dedicated to his self-enrichment or consolidating his own power) is driven by “image”.

And Alcatraz is a powerful image. Hence the announcement of “Alcatraz!”


Like watching a Hollywood movie, we see (closeup) the face of the rock jawed lawman facing down the dangerous desperados. Off to the side, we see the swinging doors of the saloon, townspeople peeping out of windows to watch this showdown, and a horse tied to the railing in front of the general store.


But then the camera slowly pans back. More of the scene comes into view. The view is from overhead, and from a thousand feet up.

And the entire set is seen for what it is- a staged and scripted performance. The buildings are two dimensional, just storefronts with no interior or depth. Walk through those saloon doors and you’re immediately standing in a vacant lot. At the end of the set is a taco food truck.

“Alcatraz!”


It’s all part of the script and set design. There may even end up unfortunate prisoners transferred there from just as secure and less costly prisons across the country. But it’s all part of the script, designed to fit a scripted narrative- to great expense and little effect.


This morning I read the account of someone who just hacked government SIGNAL communications- including shared documents and video clips…….. while all the while, Pete Hegseth continues his impression of a warfighting gunslinger.

Form over substance. The show must go on.

But the more the camera pulls back, the more people see it’s just a show, played out in real time, with real world consequences.