U.S. President Donald Trump officially directed the reopening of 'Alcatraz Prison,' one of the most famous prisons in the world, prompting strong backlash from local communities in California, according to foreign media reports. Despite being a symbol of severe punishment, the site was ultimately closed due to high operating costs and is now operated as a tourist destination, which has drawn criticism as 'burning taxpayer money.'
On the 6th (local time), according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Washington Post (WP), President Trump stated on social media (SNS) on the 4th, "It is the right way to put the most dangerous criminals behind bars without hesitation and to keep them separated from those they could harm," directing the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to massively expand and reconstruct Alcatraz to house the most brutal and violent criminals in the U.S.
According to reports, Alcatraz is a rocky island near San Francisco, California, where a federal prison operated from 1934 to 1963. The number of inmates never exceeded 275, but notorious criminals such as mafia boss Al Capone and bootlegger George Kelly, who operated during Prohibition, were incarcerated there. Inmate rights were almost nonexistent, and the cold waters with strong currents harboring sharks made escape attempts fail every time. This prison, seen as a symbol of 'harsh punishment,' became the subject of Hollywood works such as the 1979 film 'Escape from Alcatraz' and the 1996 film 'The Rock.'
However, the federal government closed the prison in 1963, arguing that 'it's better to build a new prison' due to maintenance expenses amounting to millions of dollars. Because it is located on a remote island, all supplies, including drinking water, had to be transported by boat. According to WP, Alcatraz expert John Martini explained, 'Alcatraz is an island without basic facilities. There is no water supply, no wastewater treatment, and electricity has to be transported by boat.' He noted, 'To restore this as a prison is almost on par with demolishing it and building anew. It would cost astronomical amounts.'
Local officials and opposition members view President Trump's directive as unlikely to become reality. Gavin Newsom, the spokesperson for California Governor, dismissed it, saying, 'It seems like the day of 'Washington D.C. distraction' has come again,' while San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie stated, 'I don't see this as a serious proposal.' However, State Senator Scott Wiener of San Francisco warned, 'The second term Trump is more capable than the first term,' adding, 'Even if it's an absurd idea, it shouldn't be taken lightly.' He also criticized, saying, 'This is incredibly foolish and at the same time terrifying,' stating, 'It's just burning taxpayer money.'
David Weisberg, who wrote the screenplay for the film 'The Rock,' also reacted to President Trump's comments, saying, "It's utterly unimaginable. I have no idea who put such a thought in his head," as reported by WP.