Trump is urging for the reopening of Alcatraz prison to take America's most violent criminals, calling it a symbol of law, order, and justice on social media in a remarkable announcement.
Seeing as Alcatraz is arguably the most notorious prison in the United States, Donald Trump has recently proposed to reopen the prison and expand it to detain America’s most violent criminals. He said it was a symbol of law and order and criticized soft judges and for burdening legal systems while reminiscing formerly escaped inmates and incarcerated criminals.
Trump Wants Alcatraz Reopened for ‘America’s Most Vicious and Violent Criminals’
Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced via a post on his Truth Social platform that he intends to direct federal authorities to reopen and expand the infamous Alcatraz prison, once known for holding America’s most dangerous criminals. Trump asserted that the facility should again be a home for “most vicious and violent criminals in America.”
Trump wrote:
“Together with the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, I am directing that ALCATRAZ be reopened, significantly expanded, and rebuilt. It will symbolize law, order, and justice.”
He criticized the current justice system, stating that the U.S. is overrun with repeat offenders and violent criminals who contribute only to “misery and pain.” Trump added,
“We will no longer tolerate serial criminals who spread bloodshed and chaos in our streets.”
From Historic Closure to Potential Revival
Alcatraz, located 1.25 miles off the San Francisco coast, opened in 1934 and closed in 1963 due to high operational costs—estimated at three times that of other prisons. The notorious prison at one time was known to be “escape-proof,” and gained notoriety globally following the 1962 escape of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, which led to books and movies like Escape from Alcatraz.
Some of its ex-inmates that have made a lot of headlines are Al Capone, James “Whitey” Bulger, and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Alcatraz Island is managed by the National Park Service and is one of San Francisco’s most popular tourist attractions.
Trump’s Broader Crime Agenda
This announcement follows Trump’s earlier efforts to deport foreign gang members, referencing the controversial transfer of over 200 alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador in March. He has also floated the idea of sending “homegrown criminals” to foreign prisons, stirring further debate.
During a press event on Sunday, Trump said the proposal was “just an idea,” but added that “millions of trials” would be required if every illegal migrant were granted due process by “radical judges.”
“When we were a more serious nation, we didn’t hesitate to lock up the most dangerous offenders,” Trump remarked. “It’s time to return to that mindset.”
Is Reopening Alcatraz Feasible?
Despite the symbolism behind Trump’s proposal, reopening Alcatraz would pose massive logistical and financial challenges. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the facility would need an estimated $3 to $5 million just for basic restoration—not including daily operational expenses.
The island prison was originally built as a military fortress before becoming a federal penitentiary under the Department of Justice in 1934. It was shut down after just 29 years due to unsustainable costs and deteriorating infrastructure.
Still, Trump appears committed to using Alcatraz as a strong signal of his law-and-order stance:
“We won’t allow criminals, thugs, and timid judges to hold America hostage. We will make America great again.”