Trumps Alcatraz plan: Letters to the Editor May 10, 2025

The Issue: President Trump suggesting the reopening of Alcatraz for the “dregs of society.”Is it safe to say that President Trump can be whimsical at times (“Trump: Let’s reopen Alcatraz,” May 5)?Out of the blue comes the notion of restoring Alcatraz.Was he spurred by watching the Clint Eastwood movie “Escape from Alcatraz?”What’s next? The restoration of chain gangs? Or will the notorious French penal colony of Devil’s Island be next?I suggest people examine the reasons Alcatraz was closed in 1963.

Bringing this prison up to condition would cost a fortune to house just 336 inmates.Trump should let it continue on as the museum it is today under the National Park Service.While people can latch onto to some of Trump’s initiatives, this shouldn’t be one of them.Phil SerpicoQueensPresident Trump suggesting the reopening of Alcatraz is not a sink-or-swim proposition.

It is an example of how he tries to find solutions to America’s problems and create dialogue to bring about positive change.Trump is fearless and open to impactful answers.Peter CooperBronxvilleIt is clear that hardened criminals no longer fear being arrested and going to prison.Trump reopening Alcatraz would serve as a wake-up call to all the rapists, child molesters and murderers in America.Daniel RobinowitzDallas, TexasLike many people, I have been in a cell at Alcatraz, but escaped.It’s a lot easier when you’re a tourist.Trump wants to reopen it as a working prison.

There are surely enough secure jails already, and if not, building and running prisons is very profitable.This is probably a distracting stunt, rather than a true attempt to wipe out an interesting tourist spot.Dennis FitzgeraldMelbourne, AustraliaIf Alcatraz reopens, it should have a one-way door; a way in but no way out — unless a criminal is departing in a pine box.Thomas BirnbaumManhattanTrump thinks he’s so brilliant with his insane, obtuse and embarrassing ideas.Now he wants to bring back Alcatraz pris...