Alcatraz, the legendary prison that once held mobsters like Al Capone and the elusive “Birdman,” could be making a comeback—thanks to Donald Trump. The former president recently announced plans to reopen the island prison as a supermax facility for America’s worst criminals.
“No longer will we tolerate serial offenders who spread chaos on our streets,” Trump declared on Truth Social. His proposal calls for an expanded, modernized Alcatraz, where only the most violent convicts would be sent.
Originally closed in 1963 due to high costs, Alcatraz has a storied past. Capone, the infamous Chicago gangster, was imprisoned there for tax evasion. Robert Stroud, despite his “Birdman” reputation, was a dangerous inmate who spent years in solitary. And then there were the escapees—Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers—who vanished in 1962, leaving behind only a raft and unanswered questions.
Trump’s idea has sparked debate. Supporters argue it would take dangerous criminals off the streets for good. Critics question whether reviving a symbol of harsh punishment is the right solution. One thing’s for sure: if Alcatraz reopens, its legacy will be darker than ever.
