Trump signs executive orders to end cashless bail amid nationwide crackdown

In August 2020, President Donald Trump took significant action against cashless bail practices across the United States, signing two executive orders with the intention of ending this practice nationwide. The orders directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to compile a list of jurisdictions that have eliminated cash bail for certain offenses deemed threatened to public safety. By threatening to cut federal funding for cities and states that continue with cashless bail, Trump aimed to compel these jurisdictions to adopt stricter bail policies. The initiative was framed as part of a broader campaign to reduce crime, particularly in urban areas experiencing high violence rates, such as Washington, D.C. and New York City. Trump's administration expressed concerns about dangerous individuals being released back onto the streets without bail requirements, stating that it posed a threat to public safety and wasted law enforcement resources spent on apprehending repeat offenders. This strategy is not without controversy; advocates for bail reform argue that cash bail disproportionately affects low-income individuals and perpetuates cycles of poverty and criminalization. Nonetheless, the executive orders received mixed reactions, with critics suggesting that Trump's approach could undermine constitutional rights and exacerbate social inequities. As cashless bail continues to be a contentious issue nationally, the executive orders mark a significant moment in the ongoing debate over how best to balance public safety with fair treatment within the justice system.