President Donald Trump has announced plans to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the infamous former prison on an isolated island off San Francisco. In a post on his Truth Social site, Trump emphasized the need to house America’s most dangerous criminals in a secure facility away from society. The directive to rebuild and reopen Alcatraz is part of Trump’s broader effort to revamp the federal prison system, although the practicality and cost of such a project remain uncertain.
Alcatraz, known as “The Rock,” housed notorious criminals like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly before closing in 1963 due to deteriorating infrastructure. Trump’s proposal to bring the facility up to modern standards would require significant investment, especially considering the logistical challenges of supplying a remote island prison. Despite its storied past, Alcatraz now operates as a popular tourist site managed by the National Park Service.
While Trump’s directive to reopen Alcatraz has drawn criticism from some lawmakers, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the Bureau of Prisons has stated that it will comply with the President’s orders. Trump’s push to overhaul the federal prison system has also included controversial proposals like sending accused gang members to maximum-security prisons overseas.
The Bureau of Prisons has faced scrutiny in recent years following incidents of criminal activity, escapes, violence, and staffing shortages. Trump’s administration has sought to address these issues by implementing reforms and strengthening oversight of the agency. As the Bureau of Prisons navigates a period of transition under new leadership, the future of Alcatraz as a potential prison facility remains uncertain.
Reported by Jill Colvin and Michael R. Sisak
