AG Pam Bondi in San Francisco visiting Alcatraz to announce Trump admin's reopening plans as Nancy Pelosi blasts 'stupidest' idea
Share this @internewscast.com

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum are visiting Alcatraz in San Francisco on Thursday morning. They are anticipated to unveil plans to reopen the historic federal prison.

Back in May, President Trump started talking about reopening the site as a federal prison.

Congress is expected to introduce a bill to end environmental protections for Alcatraz and take away the National Park Service’s control of the site.

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

It’s already getting strong reactions from local leaders.

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has criticized the plan, describing it as “the Trump Administration’s most foolish initiative,” by stating, “It is concerning that the administration seems to base this idea on outdated Hollywood movies rather than sound strategy.”

Alcatraz currently generates about $60 million in annual revenue, according to the National Park Service.

Refurbishing the island and building a new prison would cost at least a quarter of a billion dollars, according to estimates.

MORE: Tourists, politicians and former inmate sound off on Trump’s proposal to reopen Alcatraz as a prison

ABC7 News Insider Phil Matier weighed in on the plans and visit.

Political analyst Matier commented, “Trump aims to project a strong stance against crime. He claims Alcatraz was effective at its time, and he wants to revive it to address urban crime today. However, be clear: this is more about generating media attention. It’s a calculated move to showcase Trump as being tough on crime, with the visual of reopening The Rock serving as the main attraction.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Press Office issued a statement saying, “Pam Bondi will reopen Alcatraz the same day Trump lets her release the Epstein files. So… never.”

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie issued a statement saying, “There’s no realistic plan to make Alcatraz reopen as anything other than the wonderful tourist attraction that it currently is…”

“It’s now pretty much like an old ancient castle out there that tourists go to,” Matier said. “Turning it into a federal penitentiary is going to take a lot of money and then operating. It’s going to take a lot of money, but planning for it and showing drawings and making a statement about it. That’s a lot cheaper, and that’s what we’re seeing right now.”

Now Streaming 24/7 Click Here

Copyright © 2025 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Five Guys CEO paid $1.5M staff bonus so he wouldn't get shot like Brian Thompson

Five Guys CEO Awards $1.5M in Staff Bonuses to Enhance Workplace Safety Following Brian Thompson Incident

In a surprising move, the CEO of the well-known fast-food chain Five…
Crimson-clad clown flings shredded Quran at NYC mosque, smears feces on building: cops

Outrage in NYC: Crimson-Clad Clown Vandalizes Mosque with Shredded Quran and Feces

A vandal, lacking in fitness and sporting a head-to-toe red outfit, targeted…
North Korea tests solid-fuel missile engine as Kim boosts threat to US mainland

North Korea Escalates Tensions: Solid-Fuel Missile Engine Test Signals Enhanced Threat to US Mainland

In a demonstration of its ongoing military advancements, North Korea conducted a…
Major Wall Street powerhouse weighs southern move as Mamdani-led tax threats swirl

Wall Street Giant Considers Southern Relocation Amid Mamdani’s Tax Proposals

In a significant development for the financial world, one of Wall Street’s…
California man found dead in back of police car outside station as new details emerge

Shocking Discovery: California Man Found Dead in Police Cruiser – Unveiling the Mysterious Details

Eric Valencia’s loved ones are urging the Azusa Police Department to clarify…
JFK & RFK 'would be making the same kinds of choices' on Iran, Ukraine as 'empath' Trump: RFK Jr.

RFK Jr. Claims JFK and RFK Would Align with Trump’s Decisions on Iran and Ukraine

WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has stirred conversation by suggesting that…
Our Chicago: For more than 50 years, Haymarket Center has helped people struggling with addiction

Chicago’s Haymarket Center: A 50-Year Legacy of Supporting Addiction Recovery

In 1975, Haymarket Center was established in Chicago by Monsignor Ignatius McDermott…
East River ferry to be sunk in ocean as an artifical reef

East River Ferry to Transform into Underwater Habitat as Artificial Reef

The ferry godmothers of Queens have made their entrance. A spirited group…
North Korea conducts engine test for missile capable of targeting US mainland

North Korea’s Missile Ambitions: Groundbreaking Engine Test Targets US Mainland

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a significant test of…
Security scare near Trump's Air Force One at Palm Beach airport

Security Incident Unfolds Near Air Force One at Palm Beach Airport During Trump’s Visit

WASHINGTON — A security incident unfolded at Palm Beach International Airport on…
NYC graduation rates down by largest year-over-year percentage in 20 years

New York City Experiences Highest Annual Decline in Graduation Rates in Two Decades

New data from the Department of Education indicates that New York City…
San Francisco supervisor delays resignation decision as she navigates personal health crisis

San Francisco Supervisor Postpones Resignation Amid Personal Health Challenge

Jackie Fielder, a prominent progressive figure among San Francisco’s supervisors, has reversed…