President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday that takes aim at cashless bail policies across the United States, according to the New York Post. The order will pressure jurisdictions with no-cash-bail systems by threatening to cut off federal funding, signaling a tough stance on crime and public safety.
The White House memo outlining the executive action argues that “cashless bail policies allow dangerous individuals to immediately return to the streets and further endanger law-abiding, hard-working Americans because they know our laws will not be enforced.” It further notes that re-arresting repeat offenders who were released without bail is a “waste of public resources and obvious threat to public safety,” pointing to cases where violent offenders, freed without bond, have quickly faced new charges.
Leading the charge, Attorney General Pam Bondi will compile a list of jurisdictions with cashless bail policies, potentially targeting states like New York and cities like Washington, DC, where such measures are in place. These areas could face significant financial repercussions if they don’t align with the new federal directive.
Fulfilling a Campaign Pledge
This executive order delivers on Trump’s campaign promise to “crack down on the left-wing jurisdictions that refuse to prosecute dangerous criminals and set loose violent felons on cashless bail.” Earlier this month, he took a bold step by deploying the National Guard to Washington, DC, to bolster local law enforcement efforts in tackling crime and drug trafficking.
On August 11, Trump called on Congress to tighten cashless bail laws, stressing the need for stricter rules to ensure suspects post cash bonds before trial. With this executive action, he’s bypassing legislative delays to directly challenge jurisdictions with lenient bail policies
The Debate Over Cashless Bail
Cashless bail remains a polarizing issue. Supporters argue it addresses inequities in the justice system, as cash bail often disproportionately burdens low-income individuals unable to afford release. Illinois led the way as the first state to eliminate cash bail, followed by New Jersey and New Mexico. In 2019, New York eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, allowing judges to factor in a defendant’s financial situation when setting bonds.
Critics, including Trump, contend these policies fuel crime spikes. A 2023 study from Yolo County, California, cited by the White House, found a “zero bail” policy led to a 163% surge in crime in that region.
High-profile cases in New York City have intensified the debate: two convicted k*llers were released without bail after drug-dealing arrests in Greenwich Village this month. In another case, a suspected Tren de Aragua gang member, charged with attempted homicide in New York, was freed without bail, only to be arrested again in a Miami drug bust—where he was released once more. A prolific city pickpocket, with 45 arrests by January 2024, continues to cycle through the justice system.
“Every place in the country where you have no-cash bail is a disaster,” Trump said to reporters during a recent briefing on crime in Washington, DC.
Political Fault Lines
In New York, cashless bail has split Democrats. Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams have openly criticized the state’s bail laws, while former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, now running for mayor, and socialist Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani have defended them, highlighting the deep divide over criminal justice reform.
The Trump administration has already redirected federal resources toward public safety. In April, the Department of Justice, led by Bondi, canceled over 360 grants worth hundreds of millions, which officials called a “slush fund” for progressive causes. “Under Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, the Department of Justice is committed to ensuring its resources are spent on arresting criminals, getting drugs off the streets, and crucial litigation,” a spokesperson stated.
The Fairview Gazette will keep you updated on any developments regarding this executive order.
