Alcatraz's Last Living Inmate Reveals Chilling Details Inside The Prison Amid Trump's Reopening Plans

The name Alcatraz still carries weight decades after the prison shut its doors. Perched on a rocky island in San Francisco Bay, it once held some of the most notorious criminals in American history.

For many, it's a relic of the past—now a tourist stop and history lesson. But for Charlie Hopkins, one of the few living men to have served time there, Alcatraz was something else entirely: a place so quiet that it nearly broke him.

His reflections come at a time when the prison is back in the headlines, not because of history, but politics. Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced plans to reopen Alcatraz. The statement, posted on Truth Social, was part of his ongoing messaging about crime and punishment in the U.S.

“REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!” Trump declared. “For too long, America has been plagued by vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenders, the dregs of society…”

According to Trump, this new version of Alcatraz would house what he calls “the most ruthless and violent offenders,” those who he says spread “filth, bloodshed, and mayhem” across American streets.

For now, the proposal is more rhetorical bluster than policy. There’s no official plan, no date, and no funding outlined. But it was enough to stir memories for Hopkins, who first landed on the island in 1955.

Donald Trump plans to reopen the infamous prison.

He had already served time in a Florida prison after being sentenced to 17 years for kidnapping and robbery. However, behavioral issues in other facilities eventually landed him in the most feared correctional institution of its time—Alcatraz. Hopkins was just 24 when he arrived.

Now 93, Hopkins opened up to the BBC about the part of prison life that stuck with him the most. Surprisingly, it wasn’t the harsh guards, the cold cells, or even the isolation from the mainland. It was the silence.

“There was nothing to do,” he said. “You could walk back and forth in your cell or do push-ups.”

Hopkins recalled no radio, few books, and minimal interaction. The only noise came from the bay—specifically, the low sound of passing ships.

“That’s a lonely sound,” he said. “It reminds you of Hank Williams singing that song, ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.’”

That line, about the eerie quiet and the weight of time, gives a rare glimpse into the mental toll Alcatraz took on its inmates. It wasn’t just about confinement; it was about being removed from the very rhythm of life.

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Alcatraz sits as a prison on its island in San Francisco Bay.

The prison eventually closed in 1963, the same year Hopkins was released. Officially, it was due to the high cost of upkeep and concerns about its crumbling infrastructure. Since then, Alcatraz has become more of a legend than a threat—a place wrapped in ghost stories and crime lore.

However, Trump’s recent comments suggest he wants to return that legend to reality.

“When we were a more serious nation… we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals,” Trump said in his post. “That’s the way it’s supposed to be.”

He followed up by stating he had directed the Bureau of Prisons, the DOJ, the FBI, and Homeland Security to begin work on reopening a “substantially enlarged and rebuilt” version of Alcatraz.

“The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of law, order, and justice,” he added, closing with his familiar rallying cry: “We will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”Getty Images

Whether or not this plan ever moves beyond the talking stage remains to be seen. But for those like Hopkins, who lived the real Alcatraz, the idea of going back—physically or metaphorically—hits a nerve.

Alcatraz isn’t just a crumbling set of cell blocks in the bay. For some, it was the loneliest place on Earth. And no political slogan can erase what that felt like.

Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert, often emphasizes the significance of emotional resilience in high-stress environments like prisons. In his studies, he notes that prolonged isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and despair, which were prevalent experiences for inmates like Charlie Hopkins at Alcatraz.

Gottman's research suggests that fostering emotional awareness and connection, even in solitary conditions, could mitigate some of these harsh realities. By promoting emotional skills, individuals could better cope with environments designed to break their spirits.

Psychological Insights on Isolation

Dr. Brene Brown, a leading researcher on vulnerability and shame, highlights how isolation can lead to profound psychological effects, particularly in settings like Alcatraz. She argues that feeling disconnected from others can lead to a spiral of shame and hopelessness, as inmates often feel abandoned and voiceless.

To counteract these effects, Brown advocates for creating supportive communities, even among inmates. This could involve peer support groups that encourage shared experiences, allowing for emotional expression and connection, essential for mental well-being.

Behavioral Analysis & Pathways Forward

Understanding the psychological implications of incarceration is crucial to improving outcomes for former inmates. Research by Dr. Martin Seligman highlights that fostering a sense of purpose and community can significantly aid in reintegration. Programs that focus on social skills training, empathy development, and mentorship can provide essential support.

These approaches can help ex-inmates navigate the challenges of reintegration into society, reducing recidivism rates and promoting mental health. As professionals continue to study the impacts of incarceration, integrating these insights can lead to more effective rehabilitation strategies.