In a surprise announcement that sparked immediate political reaction, former U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he is directing the Federal Bureau of Prisons to rebuild and reopen the infamous Alcatraz prison to house what he called “America’s most ruthless and violent offenders.”

“REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform. “When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm.”

The statement was followed by a more formal declaration, in which Trump said he had instructed the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security to collaborate on reopening the historic penitentiary in an “enlarged and rebuilt” form.

Alcatraz, located on an island in San Francisco Bay, once housed notorious criminals such as Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. It was closed in 1963, largely due to the high costs of maintaining a prison in such a remote and logistically challenging location. The Federal Bureau of Prisons has stated that Alcatraz was nearly three times more expensive to operate than other prisons.

According to Reuters, Trump, speaking to reporters upon his return to Washington from Florida, said, “It’s just an idea I’ve had,” calling Alcatraz a “symbol of law and order.”

FILE PHOTO: A copy of John and Clarence Anglin’s wanted poster rests outside a medical cell on Alcatraz Island on Monday, June 11, 2012, in the San Francisco Bay. The brothers, along with fellow inmate Frank Morris, escaped from the federal prison on June 11, 1962. REUTERS/Noah Berger/File Photo

While no successful escapes were ever officially confirmed during Alcatraz’s operation, five prisoners are listed as “missing and presumed drowned.” The prison’s legendary status as an impenetrable fortress was bolstered by the frigid bay waters and strong currents surrounding the island.

Political Response

The announcement was swiftly dismissed by Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who represents a district in San Francisco. “Alcatraz closed as a federal penitentiary more than sixty years ago. It is now a very popular national park and major tourist attraction. The President’s proposal is not a serious one,” Pelosi posted on X .

Critics argue that the plan appears more symbolic than practical, with significant logistical, environmental, and legal challenges to converting a national park and tourist site back into a functioning prison. Alcatraz currently draws over 1.4 million visitors annually and is managed by the National Park Service.

Despite this, Trump’s message resonated with his political base, which continues to prioritize tough-on-crime policies. The announcement also comes amid broader debates over criminal justice, incarceration reform, and the role of federal law enforcement.