President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order today that will put pressure on jurisdictions to eliminate cashless bail policies. The order, expected to be signed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, will require a list of jurisdictions with cashless bail policies to be provided to the president.
Areas that do not comply with the order may face consequences such as the revocation of federal funding or government-backed project approvals. The move comes as part of the administration's efforts to address what they see as a flawed system that allows suspects to be released from custody without posting bail.
Cashless bail policies, which are in place in jurisdictions like New York and Washington, DC, allow arrested individuals to be released without having to pay money upfront. The aim of the policy is to reduce financial burdens on those navigating the criminal justice system.
President Trump has been vocal in his criticism of cashless bail, calling it a 'disaster' that puts law-abiding citizens at risk. He previously federalized the Washington, DC, police force and deployed National Guard troops in response to the policy.
While the president cannot unilaterally change state and local laws regarding cashless bail, the threat of withholding federal funding could incentivize jurisdictions to reconsider their policies. The executive order is seen as a step towards enforcing stricter measures to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law.
