In a recent post on his Truth Social platform, former President Donald Trump announced his intention to reopen Alcatraz, the historic prison located off the coast of California. The prison, which closed in 1963, has mainly been a tourist attraction near San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. Trump emphasized that the nation has suffered from rising levels of violent crime, and he believes that a renewed Alcatraz could serve as a "symbol of law, order, and justice."
Envisioned as a significantly expanded and rebuilt facility, Trump directed various governmental branches, including the Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Justice, to take measures towards the prison's reopening. The plan suggests that Alcatraz would be designated to house the "most ruthless and violent offenders" in America, highlighting a tough stance on crime amid ongoing legal battles over his controversial practices, such as deporting gang members to El Salvador.
Originally constructed as a naval defense fort, Alcatraz transitioned to a military prison in the early 20th century before becoming a federal prison in the 1930s. It housed some of America's most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly, gaining fame through Hollywood portrayals such as the films "Birdman of Alcatraz" and "The Rock."
Despite its historical significance and cinematic portrayals, Alcatraz was shuttered due to prohibitive operational costs, which are reported to have been three times higher than other federal prisons, primarily due to its isolated island setting.