“Pam Bondi will reopen Alcatraz the same day Trump lets her release the Epstein files. So, never,” said Izzy Gardon, Newsom’s director of communications.
July 19, 2025

Gavin Newsom has called the Trump administration’s bluff, joking that the notorious Alcatraz prison in northern California will reopen the same day that the so-called “Epstein files” are released. Via The Independent:

A spokesperson dismissed the idea previously touted by the president, following a visit to the island by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and embattled U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Thursday.

“Pam Bondi will reopen Alcatraz the same day Trump lets her release the Epstein files. So, never,” Izzy Gardon, Newsom’s director of communications, told SFGATE. The visit by the two cabinet officials comes two months after Trump mulled over the idea of reopening the historic prison, announcing on Truth Social in May that he had directed the FBI and Homeland Security to look into the idea.

Democrats have blasted the idea, including California Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, who called it Trump’s "stupidest initiative yet."

Bondi toured Alcatraz & could hardly contain her excitement about the possibilities for more cruelty.

"It could hold anything…no one has been known to escape from Alcatraz and survive.”

Fact: it only held 300 inmates

But, enough room to hold this administration for their crimes against humanity.

Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline.com) 2025-07-18T05:11:57.534Z

Bondi toured Alcatraz & could hardly contain her excitement about the possibilities for more cruelty.

"It could hold anything…no one has been known to escape from Alcatraz and survive.”

Fact: it only held 300 inmates

But, enough room to hold this administration for their crimes against humanity.

Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline.com) 2025-07-18T05:11:57.534Z

Feds prep for reopening of Alcatraz prison. Critics call it the 'stupidest initiative yet'

Los Angeles Times (@latimes.com) 2025-07-17T20:21:03.710Z

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