Trump Officials Face Criticism Over Alcatraz Proposal

Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum visited Alcatraz Island as part of the Trump administration's proposal to reopen the former federal prison, now a major tourist destination. President Trump has described Alcatraz as a potent symbol, but the plan has drawn criticism from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and California officials, who cite impracticality, cost, and accuse the administration of diverting attention from issues like Bondi's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Pelosi and other Democrats have pledged legislative and budgetary measures to block any effort to strip Alcatraz's historic protections or return it to prison use. Local leaders have raised new concerns about the facility possibly being used to detain political prisoners or immigration detainees. The visit by Bondi and Burgum was unannounced, and officials have released few details. No formal reopening announcement has been made, and debate over the proposal continues.