Trump Seeks $152M to Rebuild Alcatraz as 'State-of-the-Art Secure Prison'

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Former President Donald Trump is requesting $152 million from Congress to reopen Alcatraz Island near San Francisco as a 'state-of-the-art secure prison' to house violent federal criminals. The proposal aims to revive the infamous former federal penitentiary that closed in 1963.

Why it matters

Alcatraz has long held a mythic status as one of America's most notorious prisons, and Trump's plan to revive it as a high-security facility has sparked debate over the role of federal prisons, criminal justice reform, and the future of the historic island site.

The details

Trump's proposal calls for extensive renovations to transform the crumbling former prison into a modern, high-tech detention center. The plan includes upgrades to security systems, living quarters, and recreational facilities to meet contemporary standards for federal prisons.

• Trump first floated the idea of reopening Alcatraz in 2020 during his final year in office.
• The $152 million funding request was included in the former president's proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The proposal will now go before Congress, where it faces an uncertain future given the high cost and ongoing debates over criminal justice reform.