Donald Trump Wants to Reopen Alcatraz and Reveals Who Will Be Sent There: “TAKE ME”
In a bombshell declaration that stunned both supporters and critics, former President Donald J. Trump announced his desire to reopen Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary—once the most infamous prison in America—and suggested a list of individuals he believes should be its first residents. Speaking at a rally in Arizona attended by thousands of MAGA faithful, Trump’s words echoed across social media and the political world within minutes: “We’re going to reopen Alcatraz. That’s right. And I already have a list. Some very bad people. The worst!”
Then came the line that ignited a firestorm: “They say I’m dangerous? They want to jail me? Fine—take me. I’ll be the first inmate in Alcatraz if it means saving this country.” The crowd erupted. Chants of “TAKE ME! TAKE ME!” shook the venue as Trump raised a fist in the air.
The former president’s dramatic flair isn’t new, but this moment marked a theatrical—and deeply symbolic—turn in his campaign. Trump, who is currently facing multiple indictments and legal battles across several jurisdictions, used the idea of Alcatraz as a metaphorical battleground between what he calls “the deep state” and “the people.” He painted himself as a martyr, willing to be imprisoned for his beliefs—only to suggest he’d bring others along with him.
So, who’s on Trump’s hypothetical Alcatraz guest list?
He didn’t hold back. “We’ve got people in Washington who’ve committed treason,” Trump said. “You’ve got Joe Biden, Hunter—don’t even get me started. Crooked Hillary, of course. Adam Schiff, Merrick Garland, the whole DOJ—put them on the ferry.” He added, “And maybe even a few RINOs who betrayed us. You know who you are.”
Critics were quick to condemn the statement, with legal scholars and politicians from both sides calling the idea authoritarian, unhinged, and dangerous. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren tweeted, “Reopening Alcatraz for political enemies? This is fascism in plain sight.” Even some Republican strategists raised eyebrows. “He’s playing with fire,” said one GOP consultant. “But it’s working with his base.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s supporters rallied behind the slogan “TAKE ME,” printing T-shirts, bumper stickers, and memes showing Trump in a stylized prison jumpsuit labeled “001.” His campaign store briefly listed “Alcatraz Patriot” merchandise before it sold out within hours.
Despite the theatrics, no federal plan exists to reopen Alcatraz, which ceased functioning as a prison in 1963 and now serves as a tourist attraction under the National Park Service. Still, Trump’s announcement transformed the defunct penitentiary into a symbol of political warfare.
Whether a genuine proposal or political theater, Trump’s Alcatraz moment has reignited debate about justice, power, and what America stands for. One thing’s certain: when Trump shouts “TAKE ME,” his followers shout back—and the world listens.
