**Alcatraz's Last Inmate Reflects on Life Behind Bars and Trump's Revival Plans**

**In an exclusive interview, Charlie Hopkins, the presumed last living former inmate of Alcatraz, recounts his experiences and weighs in on the impracticality of reopening the facility.**

 
Charlie Hopkins, believed to be the last surviving inmate of the notorious Alcatraz prison, has shared his reflections on his time spent in isolation and the recent proposal by former President Donald Trump to reopen the now dilapidated facility. At 93, Hopkins recalled the "deathly quiet" nights in Alcatraz, a stark contrast to his later life in Florida after his release in 1963.

Hopkins served three years at the infamous prison beginning in 1955, where he received a sentence of 17 years for kidnapping and robbery. He described the experience as lonely, with little distraction apart from his job cleaning the prison, which he diligently performed. "There was nothing to do," he recalled, noting the facility's lack of radio or books.

The prison, also home to notorious figures such as Al Capone and the "Birdman of Alcatraz," was meant to house the most dangerous criminals. However, Hopkins managed to engage in schemes to escape, resulting in time spent in solitary confinement. His memories included attempts to help escapees like the infamous Forrest Tucker, although these plans often ended in failure.

In 1962, a daring escape by three inmates captured public attention, with their fate still a mystery today. Alcatraz was ultimately closed in 1963, primarily due to the exorbitant costs associated with its operation and the practicality of building new facilities. Today, it operates as a museum, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Now, as Trump proposes to revive the facility for "ruthless and violent offenders," experts voice skepticism, citing the astronomical costs involved in renovating the aged structure. Hopkins concurs, arguing that the logistics would be impractical, especially considering the outdated sewage systems and overall disrepair of the facility.

Despite seeing himself as a supporter of Trump's policies, Hopkins dismissed the reopening as more of a rhetorical flourish than a genuine plan. He believes Trump's comments serve to highlight issues of crime and immigration but lacks substantive intent to transform the aging landmark back into a prison. Reflecting on his own life of crime, Hopkins has subsequently published a memoir detailing his turbulent past and personal growth since his time at Alcatraz.