Trump executive orders aim to end cashless bail in D.C. and across the U.S.

President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Monday eliminating cashless bail in Washington, D.C., to continue his administration’s crackdown on crime in the nation's capital. Trump attributed large spikes in crime to the cashless bail system. Someone kills another person, gets let out on cashless bail, and is never seen again, Trump said Monday. The policy was originally meant to remove the financial barrier to allow non-flight risk defendants to be released from prison in order to alleviate overcrowding in jails and what some perceive as systemic discrimination. However, the White House cited a number of instances where released criminals continue to offend.

One order explicitly prohibits cashless bail policies in Washington, D.C., and the other aims to indirectly end the system throughout the country by withholding and revoking federal funds from states and local jurisdictions that allow cashless bail. Trump praised his administration’s crackdown on crime during his signing press conference, boasting that the city had not seen a murder in 11 days. Cashless bail is nothing but a government-backed crime spree, according to the White House.

What is the flag order? Trump also signed an order protecting the American flag from desecration outside of First Amendment protections. The order directed Attorney General Pamela Bondi to prosecute those involved with burning flags to the fullest extent of the law, and pursue cases to clarify the limits of free speech protections for individuals who burn flags. Bondi’s office will investigate and prosecute when there’s evidence of criminal activity that falls afoul of the First Amendment. Burning a flag will get you one year in prison, Trump said. Burning the American flag incites riots at unprecedented levels, he added.

Trump also signed another order concerning crime and law enforcement in Washington, D.C., specifically allowing federal agencies to hire more personnel. The order also established specialized units in the National Guard trained to deal with public order issues. The president again reiterated his desire to send the National Guard to Chicago to launch a similar crackdown on crime.

Dig deeper: Read my recent reporting on the Trump administration allowing D.C. National Guard members to start carrying service weapons.