Trump Orders Reopening of Alcatraz to House Violent Offenders
On May 5, 2025, President Donald Trump announced plans to reopen and expand Alcatraz prison to house America's most dangerous criminals. The proposal sparked debates over cost, feasibility, and symbolism.
Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, California - Photo: Josh Edelson / AFP
Trump Orders Reopening of Alcatraz to House Violent Offenders
On May 5, 2025, President Donald Trump announced plans to reopen and expand Alcatraz prison to house America's most dangerous criminals. The proposal sparked debates over cost, feasibility, and symbolism.
On May 5, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to reopen and expand the historic Alcatraz prison, located in San Francisco Bay. In a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump stated that he directed the Federal Bureau of Prisons, in coordination with the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security, to rebuild and significantly enlarge Alcatraz to house the nation's "most ruthless and violent" criminals.
Alcatraz, known as "The Rock," operated as a federal penitentiary from 1934 until 1963, when it was closed due to high operational costs and deteriorating infrastructure. Since then, the island has become a popular tourist attraction managed by the National Park Service, drawing over 1.5 million visitors annually.
Trump's proposal has drawn criticism from various quarters. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi labeled the idea as "absurd and impractical," noting that Alcatraz is currently a national park and historic landmark. Experts point out that reactivating the prison would require investments exceeding $100 million, along with significant logistical challenges such as the lack of potable water and the need to modernize facilities.
Despite the criticisms, Federal Bureau of Prisons Director William K. Marshall III stated that the agency is assessing the proposal and will "vigorously pursue all avenues to support and implement the president's agenda."
Analysts view the initiative as a symbolic gesture by Trump to reinforce his "law and order" stance, especially amid debates over immigration and crime. However, many question the practical feasibility of reopening Alcatraz as a functional prison.
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