Donald Trump is preparing a budget of more than 5 billion baht to restore Alcatraz Prison to operational status, facing criticism from multiple sides.
Foreign news agencies reported on 4 Apr 2026 that U.S. President Donald Trump plans to propose a budget of $152 million (approximately 4,965 million baht) to reopen the once-famous Alcatraz Prison. This is part of the fiscal year 2024 budget proposal.
The prison, located near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and known as "The Rock," was once considered one of America's most feared prisons. In recent years, it has been converted into a tourist destination.
The budget request states the funds are intended "to rebuild Alcatraz as the safest and most modern correctional facility," covering operating costs for the first year.
However, this plan has been questioned by many California politicians, raising concerns about the project's total final budget and challenges in managing Alcatraz as a functioning prison.
This maximum-security prison was closed in 1963 and, as a tourist site, Alcatraz is currently managed by the National Park Service.
Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the Trump administration's budget proposal "looks ridiculous from the outset and should be immediately rejected."
"Rebuilding Alcatraz as a modern prison is a foolish idea, nothing more than wasting taxpayers’ money and insulting the intelligence of the American people," Pelosi stated.
The proposal must be approved by the U.S. Congress before taking effect.
Trump’s effort to reopen Alcatraz has faced heavy criticism. Experts point out issues like inadequate water supply and sewage systems on the island, as well as the fact that all supplies and goods must be transported solely by boat.
According to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons, before its closure, Alcatraz's operating costs were three times higher than those of other federal prisons.
Pelosi, along with other San Francisco politicians, expressed concern that turning Alcatraz back into an operational prison would mean losing a globally significant landmark.
Data from the National Park Service shows that currently the site generates up to $60 million (about 1,960 million baht) annually from tourism.
. Foreign news coverage:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:bbc