Trump Orders Federal Reopening of Alcatraz Prison

Former President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he has directed federal agencies to rebuild and reopen Alcatraz prison in San Francisco Bay to house America's most violent offenders. He described the move as necessary to address repeat and violent criminals, asserting it would symbolize law, order, and justice. The original Alcatraz prison closed in 1963 due to high operating costs and has since become a major tourist attraction managed by the National Park Service. Critics and fact-checkers quickly noted the significant logistical and financial challenges of converting the site back to a prison, with its closure previously attributed to expenses three times higher than other federal prisons. Local officials and commentators have also expressed skepticism, pointing out the economic benefits of the site's current use and questioning the feasibility of Trump's proposal. The announcement is seen as part of Trump's broader tough-on-crime messaging, particularly targeting violent offenders and undocumented immigrants.