Trump Orders Reopening and Expansion of Historic Alcatraz Prison Closed Since 1963

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Updated May 12, 2025, 01:26 PM

President Donald Trump has announced plans to reopen and expand Alcatraz, the historic maximum-security prison located on an island near San Francisco, California. Closed since 1963, Alcatraz once housed notorious criminals such as Al Capone. Trump intends to use the prison to incarcerate the "most violent criminals" as a symbol of law, order, and government authority. The proposal has sparked criticism and concern, including skepticism from the last living inmate of Alcatraz, who described the plan as unrealistic.

Experts warn that reopening the prison would require extensive construction, significant funding, and increased resources for the Bureau of Prisons, which the current administration has been reluctant to provide. Alcatraz currently operates as a tourist attraction, generating approximately $60 million annually from ferry tickets, tours, and souvenir sales. The plan has also raised questions about the financial implications and feasibility of transforming the former prison back into a functioning correctional facility. Meanwhile, the prison's most famous escape remains a mystery, adding to the complex legacy of the site.

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