Trump seeks $152m to reopen notorious Alcatraz prison
Trump seeks $152m to reopen iconic Alcatraz prison
President Donald Trump has proposed allocating $152 million to transform the historic Alcatraz prison into a modern high-security facility. Situated just outside San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, the island was once a symbol of America’s most feared incarceration system, but now operates as a major tourist site under the National Park Service.
The budget plan, part of the 2027 fiscal year proposal, includes funds to initiate the construction of a secure prison on the site. While the idea aims to leverage Alcatraz’s storied past, it has drawn mixed reactions from local officials. Critics question the feasibility of the project, citing logistical challenges and potential cost overruns.
Alcatraz, known as “The Rock,” was originally built as a naval defense fort. It later became a military prison and was converted into a federal facility in the 1930s after the Department of Justice took control. The prison closed in 1963, and its current role as a tourist attraction generates $60 million annually, according to the National Park Service.
“Rebuilding Alcatraz into a modern prison is a stupid notion that would be nothing more than a waste of taxpayer dollars and an insult to the intelligence of the American people,” said Nancy Pelosi, former speaker of the US House of Representatives.
Previous concerns about the island’s infrastructure remain relevant. Without on-site water and sewage systems, all supplies must be transported by boat, which some argue increases operational expenses. The Bureau of Prisons reports that Alcatraz’s previous running costs were three times higher than other federal prisons.
Trump outlined his vision on Truth Social, stating he is directing the Bureau of Prisons, along with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a “substantially enlarged and rebuilt Alcatraz.” The facility would reportedly house the country’s most dangerous criminals.
The island has also played a role in popular culture, featuring in films like 1962’s Birdman of Alcatraz, starring Burt Lancaster, and 1979’s Escape from Alcatraz, with Clint Eastwood in the lead. Notable inmates over the years included Al Capone, Mickey Cohen, and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.
The proposal will require approval from Congress, where it faces significant debate. While the plan highlights Alcatraz’s historical significance, opponents warn of the risk of losing a cherished cultural landmark in the process.
