Trump to Sign Executive Orders on Cashless Bail

President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Monday aimed at abolishing cashless bail for individuals arrested in Washington, D.C., according to a White House representative. This order specifically addresses D.C. but it’s expected that a second order will target cash bail on a national level, imposing the threat of cutting federal funding to certain jurisdictions if they do not comply.

Earlier in the month, Trump expressed his intent to end cashless bail policies, indicating he might achieve this with support from Republican lawmakers in Congress. He emphasized the detrimental effects of cashless bail, labeling areas like New York and Chicago as examples of failure linked to these policies. According to Trump, “bad politicians” instituted these laws, which allow offenders, even those involved in serious crimes, to be released swiftly without bail.

No-cash bail systems are often championed as progressive reforms in the criminal justice sector. However, there are concerns that eliminating bail entirely could elevate recidivism rates, as noted in a study released in February 2024. This research indicated that a larger portion of people charged with non-violent felonies saw repeated arrests when cash bail was waived.

New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams, a former police officer, has been a vocal opponent of the cashless bail legislation introduced by former Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2019. Adams argues that these reforms have exacerbated issues with repeat offenders on the streets and critiques the current Governor Kathy Hochul for maintaining these policies. There’s an upcoming mayoral election where Adams faces off against Zoran Mamdani, a democratic socialist candidate advocating for extreme reforms including the elimination of all cash bail.

Furthermore, earlier this month, the Trump administration launched a campaign to enhance safety in Washington, D.C., as part of broader efforts to combat crime and address rising homelessness in the capital. Although there are speculations about deploying military support in Chicago, Trump clarified that no specific plans have been announced. Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson has expressed skepticism about federal involvement, noting a 30% drop in crime rates in major categories over the past year and arguing that federal actions may actually erode public trust.

In urban areas grappling with economic hardship and gang violence, crime rates often exceed the national average.