President Trump announced plans to reopen and expand Alcatraz as a high-security federal prison for the country’s most dangerous criminals. The island facility, which closed in 1963 due to high costs, has since been a major tourist destination.
Trump directed several federal agencies to begin planning for reconstruction, though details remain unclear. Critics, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi, dismissed the idea, citing the island’s logistical and financial challenges. The Bureau of Prisons said it would follow presidential orders.
Originally built in 1934, Alcatraz housed notorious criminals like Al Capone and was known for strict conditions and failed escape attempts. It currently operates as part of the National Park Service and attracts over 1 million visitors annually.
