💬 Bezos BLOWS UP billionaire narrative spouted by AOC, justice coming after 30 years

Can you believe I’ve been sending this newsletter for a year now? That’s right, I launched this new, revamped version of the newsletter — for those of you who subscribed to the old one — exactly one year ago. And for all those who’ve joined in the last year, too, I say thank you for subscribing, watching and engaging. I truly cherish the connection we have.

As we roll into Memorial Day, enjoy the time with family and friends this weekend, but also don’t forget the reason for the holiday: paying tribute to the many military service members who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice over the years defending the greatest country in the history of the world. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the sacrifices they made defending this great nation and its ideals, and that’s why I’m putting this Memorial Day message out on Monday — but giving Rubin Recap subscribers an early sneak peek at the meaning, essence and history of the day. 🇺🇸

Memorial Day is about remembering, and in a weird way, many things were triggered in my memory this week — some of which I’ve been thinking a lot about, and some of which came out of the long-term memory files.

While discussing how L.A. mayor Karen Bass wants to provide free dentures to meth addicts, I remembered that my two front teeth aren’t real, and explained the accident that caused them to be replaced with porcelain teeth. Bass had quite a week — as if free teeth for meth heads isn’t wacky enough, she also said she’s open to exploring the idea of letting non-citizens vote. What could go wrong?

I didn’t have to go all that far back into my memory bank to recall all of AOC’s idiotic comments about billionaires, but was encouraged to see Amazon founder Jeff Bezos categorically debunking everything AOC said about generating wealth. He absolutely blows up her elementary school narrative of how economics works.

The amazing thing is that AOC has the audacity to criticize how people earn money. She rakes in a salary upwards of $170K a year, and has never passed a single piece of legislation in her nearly eight years in the House. As far as I can tell, she’s pulling down a six-figure salary to run an Instagram account.

But go ahead, AOC, keep dumping on the billionaires … who actually create jobs. As I recall, AOC is the one who opposed Amazon opening up a second headquarters in Queens, which would’ve created an estimated 25,000 for New Yorkers, many of whom are her constituents. Bananas that she criticizes anyone. Ever.

I also remembered what an anti-Trump partisan Mark Cuban was during the 2024 presidential campaign. He was profoundly crippled by TDS, threw all his weight behind Kamala, and ultimately ended up looking pretty stupid. But I was encouraged to see him this week put the TDS aside and partner his discount prescription drug website with TrumpRx in an effort to lower the cost of prescription drugs even more for everyday Americans.

I’ve been very critical of Cuban, but I have to give him credit. I also give Trump credit — he’s always capable of finding a way to work with people who’ve insulted him in the craziest ways, and bring them into the fold. It’s like a super power. Oh, and no one tell AOC that this is an example of another billionaire doing something to make Americans lives more affordable.

Speaking of remembering — or, perhaps more to the point, not forgetting — the U.S. formally charged former Cuban president Raul Castro with murder over the 1996 killing of U.S. nationals. The charges stem from Cuba shooting down two planes 30 years ago that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. citizens and a green card holder.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the indictment this week, and the reaction to U.S. officials not forgetting about this incident was one even he probably wasn’t expecting. Watch:

Rubio dominates Top Trump Peeps poll again

Marco Rubio for the win again in our Trump administration power rankings. He’s got a six-month winning streak going for him. Marco nabbed more than 57% of the vote, and it’s really turned into a two-person race at this point between him and JD. Again, it’s hard to know what this will mean for 2028, but I do think it’s going to be a contested primary and that the nomination won’t just be handed to JD. Take a look below, I thought Susan’s comment summed up what a lot of you are saying. Marco may be the top performer, but all in all, what a great team behind Trump.

For this week’s poll, in honor of Memorial Day, I’m wondering how many of you all out there have a connection to the U.S military. ⬇️

• Had another busy week appearing on other people’s shows while doing The Rubin Report this week, including appearing on Stephen A. Smith’s podcast. He’s been on my show a couple times, so it was fun to go in his show and let him do the questioning. Check them out here:

→ My appearance on Straight Shooter with Stephen A here.

→ My appearance on Respectfully, Xaviaer here.

→ My appearance on Bishop Robert Barron presents here.

• Don’t forget, we’re doing a big 25% off Memorial Day special for tickets to the live “Florida Man” edition of The Rubin Report. You can attend the one-of-a-kind event attend in-person at the Fillmore theater in Miami Beach on June 11 with Gov. Ron DeSantis. Ben Shapiro and Jillian Michaels will also be appearing, and Adam Carolla will be doing standup. And I think Jillian and Adam will be sticking around after for the meet-and-greets. There may be some tequila flowing. Get your seats here — 25% discount is good through Memorial Day.

• A clip from Actual Friends made it into L.A. mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt’s latest campaign commercial. In case you didn’t see it, click here and keep an eye out for the four actual friends at the 45-second mark. Don’t miss new episodes and clips from Actual Friends. Subscribe here, turn on the notifications — and enjoy the conversation.

• Great question this week during the Locals Community Q&A from Beth who asked about the Rubin Report theme song and where it came from, and who made it. As I mentioned, the newish theme song is by a guy named Yung Spielberg. You can check out some of his other songs on Spotify here.

• We’re also running a Memorial Day sale on Copal, so if you haven’t tried it yet, get 10% off an any purchase made today through Memorial Day. I keep telling you, it’s not only the best reposado you’ll ever taste, it’s also the official Tequila of free speech.

• You did it! You’ve reached the end of the newsletter. That’s all for now, but I’ll be back on Sunday with a new edition of The Return to Normalcy. Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend! 🇺🇸

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Until Sunday … — Dave