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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday eliminating cashless bail in Washington, D.C., and urging other jurisdictions nationwide to follow suit. The directive marks a significant shift in federal criminal justice policy, targeting reforms that allow suspects to await trial without posting monetary bail.
The order authorizes federal law enforcement to detain arrestees in D.C. under federal custody and threatens to withhold federal funding from cities and states that maintain cashless bail policies. Trump cited public safety concerns, arguing that such policies enable repeat offenders to evade accountability.
Critics, including legal experts and civil rights advocates, warn the move could disproportionately impact low-income communities. “Eliminating cashless bail punishes the poor without improving public safety,” said one expert quoted by Common Dreams. Studies have shown that pretrial detention based on inability to pay bail can lead to higher rates of recidivism and long-term socioeconomic harm.
The executive order is part of a broader federal crackdown on crime, with similar measures expected to be proposed in other urban centers. The debate over bail reform continues to divide policymakers, with supporters emphasizing fairness and opponents citing rising crime rates.
