Trump Requests $152 Million to Turn Alcatraz Back Into Active Prison
President Trump asked Congress for $152 million to transform Alcatraz, the popular San Francisco Bay tourist site, back into a maximum-security prison. The White House made the funding request on Friday, following up on Trump's proposal from last year.
President Trump asked Congress for $152 million to transform Alcatraz, the popular San Francisco Bay tourist site, back into a maximum-security prison. The White House made the funding request on Friday, following up on Trump's proposal from last year.
The plan faces major hurdles beyond the initial price tag. A June 2025 estimate found that fully converting Alcatraz back to a high-security prison would cost at least $2 billion total. The National Park Service would also lose around $60 million in annual tourism revenue from visitors who currently tour the historic site.
Local politicians strongly oppose the plan, creating significant political challenges. The former prison island, which closed in 1963, is now in poor condition after decades as a tourist attraction rather than an active facility.
Alcatraz housed famous inmates like Al Capone before shutting down due to high operating costs and deteriorating buildings. Converting it back would require massive renovations to meet modern prison standards.
This would turn one of America's most famous tourist destinations back into an active prison, potentially eliminating jobs and tourism revenue. The plan could also cost taxpayers billions more in total renovation costs.
Congress will decide whether to approve the $152 million in funding. Local opposition and cost concerns may influence the decision.
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