Trump Set to End Cashless Bail with Executive Order
WASHINGTON – President Trump plans to sign an executive order on Monday aimed at abolishing cashless bail, potentially using the threat of cutting federal funding to urge compliance from jurisdictions nationwide.
Attorney General Pam Bondy will hand Trump a list identifying areas with cashless bail, likely focusing on states like New York and cities such as Washington, D.C., known for their lax bail policies.
Trump has asserted that cashless bail practices “will quickly release dangerous individuals back into communities, putting diligent Americans at even greater risk,” as those released under these policies may not face any restrictions.
A memo suggests that recurring arrests of individuals released without bail represent a clear danger to public safety and resources, citing instances of violent offenders returning to the streets shortly after being let go.
On August 11, Trump urged Congress to tighten cashless bail regulations, stressing the need for criminals to post cash bonds prior to trial to ensure accountability.
This executive action aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to tackle left-leaning jurisdictions that allegedly let dangerous offenders slip through the cracks by employing cashless bail.
Earlier this month, the National Guard was mobilized in D.C., with an increase in federal resources aimed at assisting local law enforcement in apprehending suspects and seizing illegal drugs in the area.
While some state governments have modified bail laws to implement supervised pretrial releases, particularly due to concerns regarding the financial impacts on low-income individuals, cash bail still exists in most states for those charged with crimes.
Illinois was the pioneer in abolishing cash bail, a move later adopted by New Jersey and New Mexico, though a majority of states retain some form of bond requirement.
In 2019, New York eliminated cash bail for many misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, allowing judges to assess defendants’ financial situations when setting bail.
The bond law has drawn significant controversy, splitting Democrats, with figures such as Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York Mayor Eric Adams expressing concerns over its implications.
Interestingly, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who previously supported the law, is now campaigning for mayor, alongside other left-leaning candidates.
Recently, two convicted murderers were apprehended in Greenwich Village for drug-related offenses after being released without bail just earlier this month.
Additionally, last October, alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang were also released without bail in New York after attempted murder charges, only to be arrested later in a drug sting in Miami.
New York City’s ongoing struggle with crime has left authorities baffled, with prolific repeat offenders often escaping serious repercussions.
Trump remarked earlier this month during a press conference that “every location with cashless bail is a disaster.” He backed this statement by referencing a law enforcement study from Yolo County, California, which found a significant rise in crime as a result of a “zero bail” policy.
In April, Trump’s Justice Department withdrew over 360 grants totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, accusing certain state entities and nonprofits of using funds for leftist agendas rather than enhancing public safety.
A spokesperson confirmed that under the Attorney General’s guidance, the Justice Department focuses on apprehending criminals, removing drugs from the streets, and securing resources through significant legal actions.
