US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he is directing federal authorities to rebuild and reopen the former Alcatraz federal prison in San Francisco Bay, calling it a symbol of “law and order.”
“Today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
The President said the facility would be used to “house America’s most ruthless and violent Offenders.” When speaking to reporters upon his return to the White House from Florida, Trump described the decision as “just an idea I’ve had” that he decided to act on.
“When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm,” Trump posted online.
Alcatraz operated as a federal prison from 1934 to 1963, housing infamous criminals including Al Capone. Since its closure, it has become one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist attractions and is now managed as part of the National Park Service.
The prison was originally closed due to high operating costs. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website, maintaining the island facility was nearly three times more expensive than other federal prisons, largely because of its isolated location.
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who represents San Francisco, dismissed the President’s announcement.
“Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than sixty years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The President’s proposal is not a serious one,” she said in a post on X.
The prison was known for its high security, surrounded by the cold waters and strong currents of San Francisco Bay. No successful escapes were ever officially recorded, though five prisoners remain listed as “missing and presumed drowned.”
