WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he has directed federal agencies to rebuild and reopen Alcatraz Island as a high-security federal prison. The facility, closed since 1963, is intended to house what he described as “America’s most ruthless and violent offenders.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the reopening of Alcatraz would serve as a symbol of law, order, and justice. He instructed the Federal Bureau of Prisons, along with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security, to oversee the reconstruction and expansion of the facility.
Alcatraz, located on an island in San Francisco Bay, operated as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. It was known for housing notorious criminals such as Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. The prison was closed due to high operating costs and deteriorating infrastructure. Since then, it has become a popular tourist destination managed by the National Park Service, attracting over a million visitors annually.
The proposal to reopen Alcatraz has faced criticism from various quarters. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi dismissed the plan as impractical, noting that the island is now a major tourist attraction and national park. Others have raised concerns about the logistical challenges and costs associated with refurbishing the aging facility, especially given its isolated location and lack of modern infrastructure.
The Bureau of Prisons has indicated that it will comply with all presidential orders but has not provided specific details on how the reopening would be implemented. The National Park Service, which currently oversees Alcatraz Island, has not yet commented on the proposal.
Trump’s announcement aligns with his administration’s broader efforts to implement stricter criminal justice policies. The plan to reopen Alcatraz is part of a series of initiatives aimed at reinforcing law and order, including proposals to detain certain individuals in high-security facilities and expedite deportations.
As of now, no official timeline or budget has been released for the proposed reopening of Alcatraz. The feasibility of the project remains uncertain, pending further details from the involved federal agencies and potential legislative approval.
