Trump seeks $152m to reopen notorious Alcatraz prison
Trump Proposes $152m to Reopen Alcatraz as Secure Prison
President Donald Trump has proposed allocating $152 million (£115 million) to restore Alcatraz, the iconic prison island, as part of his 2027 fiscal year budget. The site, situated close to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, was once a symbol of American incarceration, but now functions as a popular tourist destination. The plan aims to transform it into a modern, secure correctional facility, with initial funding covering the first year of operational costs.
Alcatraz, originally built as a naval defense fortress, transitioned into a military prison before becoming a federal institution in the 1930s under the Department of Justice. Notable inmates included Al Capone, Mickey Cohen, and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. The prison closed in 1963 and is currently managed by the National Park Service, generating $60 million (£45 million) annually as a tourist attraction.
Controversy Over Costs and Feasibility
The proposal has drawn criticism from California lawmakers, who question the financial viability and practicality of the project. Concerns center on the high operational expenses of Alcatraz, which, at closure, cost three times more than other federal prisons. Critics also highlight logistical challenges, such as the lack of on-site water and sewage systems, requiring all supplies to be transported by boat.
“Rebuilding Alcatraz into a modern prison is a stupid notion that would be nothing more than a waste of taxpayer dollars and an insult to the intelligence of the American people,” said Nancy Pelosi, former speaker of the US House of Representatives.
Pelosi and other San Francisco officials argue that converting the site back into a functioning prison would jeopardize its status as an iconic landmark. The $1.7 billion (£1.3 billion) investment in the Bureau of Prisons includes the funds requested for Alcatraz’s reopening, which Trump described as a “substantially enlarged and rebuilt” facility. He claimed it would house “America’s most ruthless and violent offenders.”
Alcatraz has appeared in several films, including 1962’s *Birdman of Alcatraz* and 1996’s *The Rock*. Its historical significance and cultural impact make it a unique site, but Trump’s vision for its reuse as a prison has sparked debate over its future role in the nation’s infrastructure and tourism economy.