President Donald Trump’s expressed desire to reopen Alcatraz as a prison has sparked mixed reactions among visitors to the historic site. While some tourists entertained the idea, many expressed concerns about the practicality and cost of restoring the infamous federal prison. The consensus among visitors from various countries was that repurposing Alcatraz would be expensive and could potentially jeopardize the popular tourist attraction that generates significant revenue.

Supporters of the idea, such as Rob and Kari Kraemer from Minnesota, believe that reopening Alcatraz could provide a solution for housing incorrigible offenders and ensuring public safety. They suggested that advancements in technology and job opportunities in construction and the prison sector could offset the costs of running the facility. However, skeptics, like Emily Lin from Taiwan, pointed out the challenges of the island’s remote location and the suitability of Alcatraz as a modern prison.

Critics, including Bruno Tavares from Brazil and Tolu Ogundele from Georgia, expressed skepticism and concerns about the feasibility and ethical implications of repurposing Alcatraz. Tavares dismissed Trump’s plan as unrealistic, while Ogundele highlighted the financial irresponsibility and inhumane conditions of using Alcatraz as a prison. Overall, visitors emphasized the need for careful evaluation and consideration of the implications before making any decisions about the future of Alcatraz.