U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to reopen the legendary Alcatraz prison, directing federal authorities to rebuild and expand the facility to house the country’s most dangerous criminals.
“REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!” Trump declared on his Truth Social account on Sunday, emphasizing the need for a “more serious” approach to incarceration. He called the island prison a powerful symbol of law and order.
The infamous Alcatraz facility—once home to criminals like Al Capone—was shuttered in 1963 due to high operational costs. Today, it serves as one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist destinations. Trump said he wants to reverse that status, turning it back into a federal penitentiary with the help of the Bureau of Prisons, the Department of Justice, the FBI, and Homeland Security.
While he initially referred to it as “just an idea,” Trump said the time felt right to act.
Alcatraz was considered inescapable due to its isolated location and treacherous waters. No escape was ever officially confirmed, though five inmates remain missing and presumed dead.
The proposal drew criticism from Democratic leaders, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who dismissed the move as a political stunt. “The President’s proposal is not a serious one,” she said on X, noting Alcatraz’s current role as a national park and major tourist attraction.