US President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Monday to ramp up federal action against crime. One order aims to end cashless bail policies while the other focuses on punishing people who disrespect or damage the American flag. The order seeks to end cashless bail by threatening to revoke federal funding for jurisdictions that use it, part of a White House effort to push crime fighting to the top of the national agenda.
According to a report by The Hill, White House officials had also indicated earlier that Trump could cut off federal funding for cities and states that continue using such policies through the newly signed policy. A fact-sheet accessed by Reuters noted that the POTUS had signed a separate order instructing police in Washington, DC to charge suspects with federal crimes and hold them in federal custody to avoid cashless bail.
What is Cashless Bail?
Cashless bail allows people accused of crimes to be released from jail while they wait for trial without paying money. Instead, they are trusted to return to court.
Debate around Cashless Bail
Critics say that cashless bail makes it easier for offenders to return to the streets and discourages them from appearing in court. Supporters argue it is fairer for low-income people, since many cannot afford to pay bail.
Washington DC stopped using cash bail many years ago. Illinois has completely removed cash bail, while states like New York and New Jersey have ended it for some crimes, The Hill said in a report.
Federal actions planned
The nationwide order will direct Attorney General Pam Bondi to list all states and cities with cashless bail and identify which federal funds could be cut off. For Washington, D.C., Bondi will also explore limiting funding, services, and approvals to push the city to change its policy.
History of Cashless Bail in the US
Washington DC was one of the first cities to reduce cash bail in the 1990s. Judges there decide release based on a defendant’s risk of skipping trial. Illinois has eliminated cash bail entirely, while states like New York, California, and New Jersey have limited its use.
Trump’s campaign promise
Trump had promised to end cashless bail as part of his presidential campaign. Earlier this month, he called DC’s policy a “disaster” when announcing the federal takeover of the city’s police force.