Alcatraz: Tourists, politicians and a former inmate sound off on President Trump's proposal to reopen tourist spot as a prison
Share this @internewscast.com

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — A proposal by President Donald Trump is getting a lot of attention including some double takes in the Bay Area.

During the weekend, Trump shared on social media his desire to restore and reopen Alcatraz as a Federal prison. The well-known “The Rock” was shuttered decades ago because of increasing expenses and has since transitioned into a National Park, becoming a major tourist attraction.

This site attracts over a million tourists annually. Infamous Alcatraz, famously referred to as “The Rock,” is simultaneously eerie and intriguing, steeped in myth and depicted in Hollywood films.

Alcatraz opened in the 1930’s and closed in 1963.

Now, President Trump, in a Truth Social post, expresses his intent to reconstruct and reopen Alcatraz as a Federal Prison, aiming to accommodate some of the country’s most dangerous criminals.

“It’s a symbol of law and order,” said Trump.

PREVIOUS STORY: Trump says he will reopen notorious Alcatraz prison in San Francisco

Donald Trump says he is directing his government to reopen and expand Alcatraz in San Francisco, which has been closed for more than 60 years.

Tourists visiting Alcatraz on Monday were stunned by the idea.

“I think it’s one of the stupidest ideas I’ve ever heard in my life. It would cost billions to refit this building. It’s not even earthquake proof, you guys have earthquakes in California,” said Nanc Evans from Washington State.

“We’re from Australia, derived from convicts and this is inhumane,” said Doug McColl.

“It’s a good idea sort of, for the bad prisoners yeah,” said Kimberly Cozzolino from New Jersey.

Alcatraz was closed decades ago because the prison was three times more expensive to operate compared to other Federal Prisons.

Another reason why Alcatraz was closed is because it was literally crumbling from the outside-in because of all the salt water and extreme weather.

MORE: 1969 Occupation of Alcatraz: How Native Americans took over former prison and ignited a movement

The occupation brought new life, tragic death, and a struggle for power. And in the end, it started a national debate on Native American rights that inspired generations and forever changed public opinion and changed public policy.

Nancy Pelosi posted on X: “Alcatraz is now a very popular National Park and a major tourist attraction, the President’s proposal is not a serious one.”

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, brushed off the idea.

“Speaker Pelosi said it right about Alcatraz, this is not a serious proposal,” said Lurie.

“There’s a lot we could use money on, besides renovating an ancient crumbling museum on an island,” said San Francisco Assemblyman Matt Haney.

Former Alcatraz Inmate Charlie Hopkins, now in his 90s, says Alcatraz is likely too old to be renovated.

“I don’t think he wants to reopen it, he’s trying to draw attention to the crime rate. When I was on Alcatraz, a rat couldn’t survive,” said Hopkins.

So far, no response from the National Park Service or the company which operates the Alcatraz ferries.

Now Streaming 24/7 Click Here

Copyright © 2025 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Winning: Trump Admin Announces Yuge Trade Pact with United Kingdom

Success: Trump Administration Unveils Major Trade Deal with the United Kingdom

The dominoes are starting to go down. Thursday, the president took to…
'Vanderpump Villa' season two reunion: what really went down as the cast got back together. 

“Vanderpump Villa” Season Two Reunion: Highlights and Drama Unveiled as the Cast Reunites

BEVERLY HILLS — If you thought season two of “Vanderpump Villa” was…
Close-up of a teen's hands holding a smartphone.

New Law Restricts Children’s Phone Use to 1 Hour Per Day, Varies by App

A CONTROVERSIAL new law will restrict children’s time on social media. The…
Legal expert backs Trump admin's crackdown on Harvard: 'Accountability must be enforced'

Legal Expert Supports Trump’s Administration’s Measures on Harvard: ‘Enforcing Accountability is Essential’

The Trump administration received varied responses following its announcement to halt all…
Jacksonville charter school employee arrested on child abuse charges

Jacksonville Charter School Staff Member Arrested for Child Abuse

Terri Baldwin, 39, faces four counts of child abuse and one count…
'Reasonable Doubt' season 3 casting news: Morris Chestnut will return and Rumer Willis is among the recurring cast members.

“Exciting Casting Updates for ‘Reasonable Doubt’ Season 3: Morris Chestnut’s Return and Rumer Willis Joins as a Recurring Cast Member”

We have some big news on season three of the hit legal…
Police officers outside a house.

Shocking Discovery: Sisters Rescued After Being Chained and Abused by Their Father in Brazil

TWO sisters were found chained to their beds where their dad allegedly…
Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes and more

Country Stars: Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, and Others

Prominent figures such as Nicole Kidman, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, and others…
Trump and Kemp Strategize for Georgia Senate Race—Here’s What’s at Stake in 2026

Trump and Kemp Plan for Georgia’s 2026 Senate Race—Key Issues on the Horizon

While the 2026 midterm elections may seem distant, the contest for Georgia’s…
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden fired by Trump

Trump Removes Carla Hayden from Librarian of Congress Position

Carla Hayden was the first woman and the first African American to…
President Donald Trump on a phone call.

Keir Starmer and Donald Trump Announce Groundbreaking UK Trade Deal in Pivotal Phone Discussion

THIS is the moment Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump have held…
Aerial view of Tazacorte, La Palma, showing a black sand beach, colorful buildings, and a marina.

Major Blackout Strikes Canary Islands, Leaving Thousands Without Power

ANOTHER blackout has hit Spain just days after a massive nationwide power…