Alcatraz: Visitors, officials, and ex-prisoner share opinions on Trump’s idea to turn the attraction back into a prison

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 took to social media to express his desire to reconstruct and resume operations at Alcatraz as a Federal prison. Alcatraz, commonly known as “The Rock,” ceased functioning many years ago due to escalating expenses, later transforming into a National Park and a major tourist attraction.

Alcatraz draws over a million visitors annually, offering a mix of spookiness and intrigue, earning its reputation as a legendary site featured in Hollywood movies.

Alcatraz opened in the 1930’s and closed in 1963.

Now, President Trump has announced on Truth Social his intention to have Alcatraz reconstructed and operational once again, this time as a Federal Prison to accommodate some of the country’s most dangerous criminals.

“It’s a symbol of law and order,” said Trump.

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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

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.