Trump's $2 Billion Alcatraz Prison Revival Sparks Outrage and Political Firestorm

President Donald Trump is pushing forward with a controversial plan to reopen Alcatraz Island as a federal prison, more than 60 years after its closure.

The proposal, which could cost up to $2 billion, has drawn sharp criticism from California leaders, Indigenous groups, and national park advocates, who argue the plan is impractical, costly, and disrespectful to the site's historical significance. Top Trump officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, have toured the site to assess its viability, despite widespread opposition and logistical challenges such as outdated infrastructure and environmental concerns. Critics, including Nancy Pelosi and Governor Gavin Newsom, have mocked the initiative as a political stunt and a waste of resources.

The debate has ignited national attention, highlighting deep divisions over criminal justice, federal power, and the preservation of historic landmarks.