Saturday, March 29, 2025
Trump Plans Alcatraz Revival : Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to revive the infamous Alcatraz prison, aiming to lock up what he calls the “most ruthless and violent offenders” in a fortified version of the long-closed island facility. The bold move, shared via his Truth Social platform, triggered widespread backlash and legal scrutiny.
Trump plans Alcatraz revival as part of a broader crackdown on crime. He directed several federal agencies, including the Bureau of Prisons and Department of Homeland Security, to begin preparations for reconstructing and expanding the prison—closed since 1963 due to high operating costs and structural decay.
“For too long, America has tolerated repeat offenders and societal parasites,” Trump stated. “It’s time we separate them permanently from the public.”
Critics slammed the plan as unrealistic and legally questionable. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi dismissed the proposal outright, calling it “not a serious one.” She emphasized that Alcatraz, now a national park and major tourist destination, is protected under federal preservation laws.
Experts note the astronomical costs of restoring the crumbling island facility and the logistical nightmare of transporting resources by boat daily. “This would require billions in taxpayer dollars and massive legal battles,” one federal official noted.
Trump’s plan follows his recent controversial attempts to send alleged gang members to a prison in El Salvador, and his push to expand Guantánamo Bay for detaining undocumented immigrants. Legal experts warn these moves violate due process and international law.
A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons confirmed they will follow all presidential orders but declined to answer questions on Alcatraz’s feasibility under National Park Service control.
Alcatraz, known as “The Rock,” once held some of America’s most feared criminals, including Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. In its 29 years of operation, the prison was deemed inescapable due to icy waters and fierce currents. Still, escape stories—like the infamous 1962 breakout—fuel public intrigue and Hollywood films.
Trump’s revival idea has reignited debate over whether historic prisons should return to service or remain memorials to the past.
