Gavin Newsom: Alcatraz Will Reopen the 'Same Day' the Epstein Files Are Released

California Governor Gavin Newsom is not holding his breath for the Trump administration to follow through on reopening Alcatraz Island as a functioning federal prison.

"Pam Bondi will reopen Alcatraz the same day Trump lets her release the Epstein files," Izzy Gordon, Newsom's communication director, told SFGATE. "So, never."

On Thursday, US Attorney Genderal Pam Bondi and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum toured the iconic former penitentiary, signaling the administration's intent to restore the island to its long-ago status as a high-security facility. In May, President Donald Trump called for Alcatraz's return to glory as a prison that could house "the most ruthless and violent offenders," including undocumented migrants.

On X, Burgum announced he spent the day on Alcatraz Island, "to start the work to renovate and reopen the site to house the most dangerous criminals and illegals."

Despite the administration's clear intention to move forward with the Alcatraz plans, the proposal is controversial.

San Francisco's Alcatraz operated as a maximum-security federal prison from 1934 to 1963, when it was shuttered due to high costs. It now serves as a major national park and tourist destination, attracting over 1.6 million visitors a year and generating around $60 million in revenue.

The National Parks Conservation Association opposed any attempt to strip control of the island from the National Park Service. Senior VP of government affairs, Kristen Brengel, accused the administration of ignoring "the rich history, culture and legacy" the park protects.

House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi condemned the plan as well. "With stiff competition, the planned announcement to reopen Alcatraz as a federal penitentiary is the Trump Administration's stupidest initiative yet," she said Wednesday.

"It remains to be seen how this Administration could possibly afford to spend billions to convert and maintain Alcatraz as a prison," Pelosi continued.

With House Republicans reportedly preparing legislation to facilitate the reopening of Alcatraz, Pelosi vowed to use "every parliamentary and budgetary tactic" to block the proposal.

Newsom has positioned himself firmly in defiance to Trump, calling out his "empty threats," and alleging that his displays of "toughness" are "weakness masquerading as strength." Trump, in turn, is vocal about his disdain for the California governor, frequently referring to him as "Newscum."

Their adversarial relationship has been notable in their interactions following the devastating LA fires earlier this year and with the deployment of military forces in response to protests in June.

The latest remarks from Newsom's office highlight his willingness to push back and even provoke Trump. For now, the administration is moving forward with its plans to reclaim the costly prison, and the efficacy of Newsom's resistance remains to be seen.