President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he has ordered the reopening of the iconic Alcatraz prison, which was shut down in 1963, to house what he described as “the most ruthless and violent criminals in the United States.” The move, revealed through his social media platform Truth Social, is intended to serve as a symbol of the “return of law, order, and justice.”
In a post filled with his trademark combative tone, Trump blamed “fearful judges” and lax immigration laws for what he called a wave of criminality. “We will no longer be hostages to criminals, thugs, and judges who refuse to do their jobs,” he wrote. He stated that the facility would be “substantially expanded and rebuilt” to hold what he called “the scum of society.”
The decision comes amid legal setbacks to some of his most aggressive immigration enforcement efforts and appears aimed at reinforcing his tough-on-crime message, especially as he positions himself for a potential return to the White House. Speaking to reporters upon returning from a weekend in Florida, Trump reiterated that Alcatraz would become “a symbol of order and authority.”
The famed prison, located on an island in San Francisco Bay, operated as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. It was shut down due to its high operational costs—nearly three times more than other federal prisons. At the time, the Federal Bureau of Prisons estimated that it would take $3 million to $5 million just in repairs and maintenance to keep it running.
Trump, however, sees its revival as an opportunity to resurrect a symbol of toughness in the fight against crime. “For too long, the United States has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat offenders. We will no longer tolerate these serial criminals spreading bloodshed and chaos in our streets,” he declared in his post, emphasizing key words with capital letters in his typical style.
A spokesperson for the Bureau of Prisons confirmed the presidential directive and said the agency “will comply with all Executive instructions.” Further details, he noted, would be provided as they become available.
The island of Alcatraz, located less than two miles from the mainland, was developed in the mid-19th century and famously held inmates such as Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction managed by the National Park Service, which describes it as “the federal government’s response to post–Prohibition, Depression-era America.”
Known as “The Rock,” the prison has been immortalized in pop culture through films such as The Rock by Michael Bay and remains embedded in American cultural memory. Trump now appears determined to restore its prominence—this time as a banner of his promise: “Make America Great Again.”
