Trump Moves to End Cashless Bail Policies

President Donald Trump is taking steps to improve law and order across American streets.

On Monday, he signed two executive orders focused on eliminating cashless bail. The first order, titled Measures to end cashless bail and enforce District of Columbia’s laws, specifically targets policies in Washington, D.C. It aims to implement “all necessary and legal measures” to end cashless bail and ensure that individuals who pose a threat to public safety are held in pretrial custody.

One quote from Trump resonates: “I think it’s been late for a long time.”

The second order, Take steps to end cashless bail to protect Americans, seeks to expand the elimination of cashless bail systems nationwide. Additionally, it warns of federal fund withdrawals for areas that choose not to comply with these directives.

Attorney General Pam Bondy is reportedly compiling a list of jurisdictions currently using cashless bail systems.

By the 1990s, cash bail systems largely disappeared in D.C., while states like Illinois, New Jersey, and New Mexico have also moved to abolish them. Other states, including Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Kentucky, and Maryland, have made cuts or implemented limited cash bail policies.

The White House criticized current measures, labeling them “radical,” claiming such policies have turned American urban areas into “hunting grounds” for repeat offenders.

A press release from the White House discussed various cases where suspects in New York and D.C. were released without bail only to commit further crimes.

Trump’s approach to ending cashless bail, described as an aggressive crackdown on this “failed experiment,” aims at keeping violent offenders off the streets.

Dave Goitzia, president of Glendale’s Brotherhood Police Order, expressed support, stating, “I think it’s refreshing to see the federal government intervene. President Trump is doing things we’ve never seen before, and I believe that resonates with a lot of people.” He added, “I think it’s been late for a long time.”

Crime victim advocate April Aguile echoed the importance of ending cashless bail, asserting that it is essential for restoring balance to the system. Aguile criticized the existing cashless bail framework, explaining how it trivializes misdemeanors by treating them similarly to felonies. She emphasized the need for a judicial system that prioritizes law-abiding citizens over criminals.

Meanwhile, Rep. Elise Stefanik (RN.Y.) has vowed to introduce legislation to formalize Trump’s enforcement actions. She stated, “The failed bail reforms by Kathy Hochul and the New York Democrats are a devastating disaster leading to New York’s crime crisis.”

Stefanik supports Trump’s executive order and is committed to pushing for legislation to enshrine these policies in law.

As of now, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office has not commented on these developments.