Trump Was Very Clearly Watching 'Escape From Alcatraz' on TV When He Wrote His Dumb Tweet

President Trump's recent tweet proposing to reopen Alcatraz for the nation's most dangerous criminals appears to be inspired by the film "Escape From Alcatraz," which aired on PBS shortly before his post. The suggestion has drawn criticism as impractical, given that Alcatraz was closed over 60 years ago due to maintenance costs and its deteriorating condition. Trump stated he would direct federal agencies to expand and renovate the facility, despite its current status as a National Park that attracts 1. 2 million visitors annually. His remarks also contradict his 2018 legislation aimed at reducing the prison population, illustrating a disconnect between his past policies and current rhetoric.

Historians highlight that rebuilding the prison would be prohibitively expensive, making the proposal more of a political stunt than a feasible plan. Critics argue this reflects Trump's penchant for sensationalism rather than serious policy. Furthermore, Trump's comments about the prison escapees included inaccuracies, suggesting a lack of understanding of the historical context. Overall, this incident underscores the ongoing debate about Trump's approach to crime and punishment within his political base.