In the current executive administration, it’s apparent that they are fast-moving, whether people like it or not. Drastically cutting down government agencies and funding, proposing land acquisitions, and shifting economic policy are priorities for our leaders in Washington. A recent development that came to many people is President Trump has proposed reopening of the 20th-century prison, Alcatraz. Originally, Alcatraz was a Naval defense fort before being built into a prison in 1934, where it remained until 1963 after a shocking prison escape the year prior. Surrounded by freezing water and strong currents and over a mile offshore, Alcatraz was thought to be inescapable. The notorious prison break was done by John Anglin, Clarence Anglin, and Frank Morris. With help from the breakout, Alcatraz was formally closed in 1963 by Attorney General Robert Kennedy for being too costly, as the prison didn’t have a freshwater source. Currently, Alcatraz is a very successful tourist attraction that generates an abundance of funding for the city of San Francisco. The new proposal for reopening Alcatraz is not only difficult because it’s so beloved as a tourist attraction, but also has the status of a protected Golden Gate National Park. Additionally, the facilities at Alcatraz are heavily outdated and would need very significant renovations to operate. The main reason the administration wants to reopen Alcatraz is that it is a symbol of Law and Order, and also as a way to exert their authority and use their political power against California, a state that often resists federal authority. Most surprising is that there was no anticipation of reopening Alcatraz, and most people viewed it as random and shocking.

Trump’s exact words on social media were “For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat Criminal Offenders, the dregs of society, who will never contribute anything other than Misery and Suffering. When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.” “That is why, today,” he said, “I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house America’s most ruthless and violent Offenders.” Through Trump’s election campaign last year, he made law and order a priority by painting the Southern border as a large entrance for dangerous criminals and prioritizing strong border enforcement.

The strong-willed approach to shutting down the Southern border was predictable, but the Alcatraz reopening proposal was a complete curveball and somewhat preposterous. “I had no clue and don’t know why they want to reopen Alcatraz”, said Junior Benny Moosbrugger. This shows how anyone hearing the news, but especially someone from San Francisco is shocked by this.

‘All in all, this new proposal to reopen Alcatraz is another way for the Trump administration to show power and strength and emphasize American justice. However, it was very unsuspecting and almost unwarranted. Additionally, it’s important to note that the President makes a lot of proposals that don’t come to fruition.