Trump Moves to End Cashless Bail in D.C. and Nationwide
- The New York Editorial Desk - Arif
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
Tone & Political Bias: Strongly Right-Leaning
Why: The framing and actions emphasize law-and-order priorities, targeting progressive bail reforms as harmful and pushing for stricter federal oversight.
What Happened
President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Monday targeting cashless bail policies in Washington, D.C., and across the nation. The orders direct federal agencies to consider withholding funds and using federal custody to override local decisions if jurisdictions do not comply.
Another order signed the same day focuses on prosecuting individuals who desecrate the American flag, including potential visa revocations for noncitizens involved in such acts.
The D.C. Executive Order
The executive order directs the administration to pressure D.C. to abandon cashless bail.
Federal funding and services could be restricted if the city does not comply.
The order asks law enforcement to ensure suspects arrested in D.C. are placed into federal custody whenever possible.
Attorney General Pam Bondi could play a role in enforcement, though details remain unclear.
D.C. has operated a cashless bail system since 1992, where judges decide whether a defendant poses a risk rather than setting monetary bail.
Nationwide Reach
A separate order extends the administration’s position to other cities and states with cashless bail.
Federal funds may be suspended or terminated in jurisdictions that maintain such policies.
Several states have already adopted cash bail reforms, including Illinois, New Mexico, and New Jersey.
Trump has repeatedly described cashless bail as a “disaster,” claiming it fuels repeat offenses.
Flag Desecration Order
Trump signed a third executive order targeting flag desecration.
The directive orders Bondi to prosecute violators “vigorously” and pursue legal action to challenge existing constitutional protections.
Noncitizens accused of flag desecration could face visa denials, residency revocations, or deportation.
The order faces constitutional hurdles: the Supreme Court ruled in Texas v. Johnson (1989) that burning the U.S. flag is protected under the First Amendment.
Federal Control Over D.C.
Trump’s moves mark a sharp shift from previous administrations by expanding federal influence over how the capital is governed. Recent actions include:
Deploying armed National Guard troops in D.C. to fight crime.
Threatening troop deployments in Baltimore, Chicago, and New York.
Clearing homeless encampments and restoring a Confederate memorial in Arlington National Cemetery.
Ordering a review of Smithsonian museums for how U.S. history is presented.
The Debate Around Bail Reform
Supporters of cashless bail argue it prevents discrimination against low-income defendants who cannot afford bail.
Critics, including Trump allies, argue it allows repeat offenders to quickly return to the streets.
Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for D.C., said on Fox News that crime “started” with the system of releasing defendants without bail.
The D.C. Council recently extended its pretrial detention policy to address safety concerns.
Why It Matters
Trump’s executive orders represent a direct challenge to long-standing local authority in D.C. and could set the stage for nationwide battles over bail reform. They also highlight his administration’s broader push for stricter federal law enforcement measures and symbolic culture-war actions like the flag desecration order.
The legal and political clashes around these moves are expected to intensify, particularly over constitutional limits on federal power and First Amendment protections.
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