Trump Signs Executive Orders to End Cashless Bail, Targeting DC and Nationwide Public Safety Concerns

President Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders on August 25, 2025, to pull down cashless bail systems, beginning with Washington, D.C. The move is a vast expansion of federal interference in the local criminal justice process. Jurisdictions, under the orders, that have substantially cut cash bail for crimes deemed public dangers—violent offenses, sex abuse, burglary, and vandalism—are liable to suspension or cutoff of federal funds.

The government argues that cashless bail allows repeat offenders to exploit soft policies, which undermines law enforcement efforts and jeopardizes communities. Trump insisted that federal funds will not be spent to help jurisdictions that fail to jail defendants who are clearly presenting a risk. In D.C., the federal government will try to detain more defendants in federal custody and file federal charges where appropriate.

The Attorney General would be tasked with identifying and updating a list of jurisdictions with cashless bail, and executive departments would determine which federal grants and contracts can be withheld from them. The orders are part of a series of campaign promises to combat crime and roll back progressive criminal justice reforms.

Critics argue the measure disproportionately would penalize marginalized communities and resurrect debates over the trade-off between public safety and criminal justice equity. Supporters contend it returns responsibility and strengthens law enforcement.