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
2025 Emmys Snubs & Surprises: ‘Paradise’ Is In (Yay!) But ‘Landman’ Is Out (Boo!)

Unexpected Results at the 2025 Emmys: ‘Paradise’ Scores a Nomination While ‘Landman’ Misses Out

The 77th Emmy nominations are here and they are chock-full of snubs…
Przemyslaw Jeziorski: UC Berkeley professor shot and killed in Greece, family says

Family Reports: UC Berkeley Professor Przemyslaw Jeziorski Fatally Shot in Greece

BERKELEY, Calif. — A UC Berkeley professor was shot and killed while…
Video of suspected 'honor killing' plot resurfaces as parents stand trial for attempted murder

Video of Alleged ‘Honor Killing’ Conspiracy Resurfaces During Parents’ Attempted Murder Trial

The trial for a Washington father and his wife accused of trying…
A Florida county leads the way with a high-tech 911 system that improves emergency response

Florida County Revolutionizes Emergency Services with Advanced 911 System

NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — In the event of an emergency within Collier…
A Walmart store with a full parking lot.

10-Year-Old Allegedly Causes Millions in Damages at Walmart, Leading to Evacuation

A 10-year-old is facing allegations of causing extensive damage worth millions following…
Livvy Dunne's 'holy crap' reaction to Oneil Cruz's Home Run Derby bombs

Livvy Dunne’s ‘wow’ response to Oneil Cruz’s Home Run Derby blasts

Olivia “Livvy” Dunne was amazed when Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz launched home…
Federal immigration agents talk to Rebecca Torres, second left, after she tried to block a military vehicle during a raid in the agriculture area of Camarillo, Calif., Thursday, July 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Owen Baker)

Massive Raid at Glass House Farms in California: 360 Arrests and a Tragic Death Explained

Federal authorities have reported the arrest of over 360 individuals at two…

Heroic Rescue: Father Saves 5-Year-Old Daughter After She Falls 50 Feet from Disney Dream Cruise Ship

COPS have revealed how a five year old girl fell into the…
Camp Mystic Recreation Hall damaged by flood.

Heartbreaking Story of How a 9-Year-Old Camp Mystic Victim Was Identified After Floods, Revealing Her Bravery

ONE of the youngest victims in the Texas floods was identified by…
Ongoing trash strike draws pressure from officials as communities struggle with waste build-up

Continuous Waste Strike Puts Pressure on Officials as Communities Battle Trash Accumulation

As the worker strike across multiple states nears its second week, state…
Ivan Putin with his mother Alina Kabaeva.

Recent Photos Reveal Putin’s Alleged Secret Son, Ivan, 10, Resembling His Father While Embracing His Gymnast Mother’s Legacy

NEW pictures show Vladimir Putin’s “secret son” Ivan looking identical to his…
Scammers hijack Google reviews for small Florida businesses

Fraudsters Take Over Google Reviews for Small Businesses in Florida

The star rating can help attract new customers, but some small business…