US President Donald Trump announced Sunday a possible comeback for Alcatraz as he directed the Federal Bureau of Prisons to rebuild and reopen the infamous prison, located in the San Francisco Bay, to house what he called "America’s most ruthless and violent offenders."

“REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!” Trump posted on Truth Social. “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.”

Once considered the most secure penitentiary in the country, Alcatraz prison famously held high-profile criminals such as Al Capone before its closure in 1963. It has since become a major tourist destination, drawing visitors fascinated by its history and isolation.

Trump frames Alcatraz comeback as return to ‘law and order’

In his post, Trump said he was instructing the Federal Bureau of Prisons, in coordination with the Department of Justice, the FBI, and Homeland Security, to oversee a “substantially enlarged and rebuilt” Alcatraz facility.

Speaking to reporters upon returning to the White House from Florida, Trump described the move as “just an idea I've had” and one he finally decided to act on. “It’s a symbol of law and order,” he said.

Situated on an island surrounded by frigid waters and strong currents, Alcatraz prison was believed to be escape-proof. No confirmed escapes were ever recorded, although five inmates remain officially listed as "missing and presumed drowned."

Alcatraz: History of America's most notorious prison

First used by the military in the 1850s and converted into a federal penitentiary in 1934, Alcatraz prison became synonymous with isolation, high security, and iron discipline. Its isolated island location was considered ideal for housing high-risk inmates, away from mainland communities.

Among its most infamous residents was Al Capone, the Chicago crime boss sentenced for tax evasion. Capone spent several years at Alcatraz, where his influence and comfort were significantly reduced compared to other facilities.

Other notable inmates included George "Machine Gun" Kelly and Robert Stroud, known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz."

Alcatraz gained even more notoriety through a series of daring escape attempts, which can be found listed on the website of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The most famous occurred in 1962, when three prisoners, Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin, dug their way out of their cells using makeshift tools and attempted to flee on a raft made of raincoats. Their fate remains unknown, though they are presumed to have drowned. This incident inspired numerous books, investigations, and the 1979 film Escape from Alcatraz, starring Clint Eastwood.

In recent decades, Alcatraz has become the subject of several documentaries, podcasts, and exhibitions that explore both its brutal past and its enduring mythos.

Alcatraz cost, criticism

The original facility was closed primarily due to high operating costs. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, it was nearly three times more expensive to maintain than other federal institutions due to its location and logistics.

Trump’s plan has drawn criticism from political opponents. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi dismissed the idea.

“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,” she said in a post on X.

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. https://t.co/ALKXZLWlzO

— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) May 5, 2025

While it's unclear whether Trump’s order will move forward in practice, the proposal underscores a broader return to tough-on-crime rhetoric centered around isolating violent offenders in maximum-security environments.