KIRO NEWSRADIO OPINION

‘It’s unsafe’: Jake and Spike debate Trump’s plan to reopen Alcatraz

May 6, 2025, 2:02 PM | Updated: 2:20 pm

Alcatraz...

A general view of Alcatraz Island. (Photo: Loren Elliot via Getty Images)

(Photo: Loren Elliot via Getty Images)

Alcatraz could be reopened as President Donald Trump recently directed officials to expand the former prison, reported The Associated Press (AP) Monday. While co-host of “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio, Jake Skorheim, has his own idea for the prison, co-host of “Jake and Spike,” Spike O’Neill believes the plan is too dangerous.

“The place is unsafe,” Spike said Monday. “It’s deteriorating too quickly. It’s too expensive to repair.”

According to The AP, Alcatraz was closed in 1963 due to the high costs of maintaining and staffing the island, along with crumbling infrastructure. The media outlet noted everything had to be brought in by boat.

Jake Skorheim has his own idea for Alcatraz

However, Jake had his own plan.

“You ever been to McCmenimans?” Jake joked. “What if we don’t make it a prison and instead we make it some sort of a Vrbo hotel.”

To which Spike responded, “I’d spend to spend the night on the rock.”

“Have a tiki bar,” Jake said, “I would love it.”

While Jake’s idea is fun, The AP said bringing the prison up to modern-day standards would be a massive investment.

Listen to the full conversation below.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.

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