Trump sends embattled Pam Bondi to Alcatraz prison in re-opening bid
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Trump administration plans to reopen notorious prison
- U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum are expected to visit Alcatraz on Thursday to announce plans to convert it back into a federal prison.
- The proposal to reopen Alcatraz as a high-security prison was initially put forward by Trump, who described the island as a "symbol of law and order."
- Bureau of Prisons officials have conducted initial assessments, noting that while the island is safe for visitors, some buildings are deteriorated, with restoration potentially exceeding $1 billion.
- The plan has faced significant criticism from state and local leaders, including Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, who labelled it Trump's "stupidest initiative yet," and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.
- Alcatraz, which closed in 1963 due to high operating costs, currently generates approximately $60 million annually from tourism and is a popular visitor attraction.