New Jersey (specifically, former U.S. Attorney and then-Governor Chris Christie) killed cash bail in 2017 with the enactment of the Criminal Justice Reform Act. Instead of asking for cash, New Jersey courts conduct a security assessment which is obviously more subjective but supposed to be more equitable.
The reviews haven’t been quite “raving,” Save Jerseyans, as far-Left New Jersey judges release violent offenders back into our communities without hesitation.
“Bail reform in New Jersey has been a complete failure, has endangered our communities, and has been a significant cause of frustration for the amazing men and women who put themselves in harm’s way each day to keep us safe. New Jersey has some of the finest, most committed, and the best trained police officers in the nation. Yet we are powerlessly handcuffed by rules that reward criminal recidivism and the unnecessary victimization of our communities,” said Wayne Police Chief Jack McNiff back in 2023. “What is more frustrating is the fact that we, as police officers, have to be soundboards for victims and residents who are fed up and angered when suspects are repeatedly released only to victimize again. It’s time to give this State back to our communities and not placate those who choose unabashed and government-facilitated victimization as a way of life.”
President Trump apparently agrees, signing an executive order on Monday which will curtail federal aid for jurisdictions with cashless bail systems.
“As President, I will require commonsense policies that protect Americans’ safety and well-being by incarcerating individuals who are known threats,” Trump explained in his executive order. “It is therefore the policy of my Administration that Federal policies and resources should not be used to support jurisdictions with cashless bail policies, to the maximum extent permitted by law.”
BREAKING: President Trump just signed an executive order WITHHOLDING federal funding for states and cities using cashless bail
“Cashless bail… that was when the big crime in this country started”
“They KlLL people and they get out. Cashless bail. They thought it was… pic.twitter.com/14vKFGMTOI
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 25, 2025
The executive order directs the Attorney General to compile a list of cashless bail jurisdictions, and each of the offending states/cities could lose federal funds “including grants and contracts” awarded by the feds:
Sec. 2. Consequences for Cashless Bail Jurisdictions. (a) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Attorney General shall submit to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, a list of States and local jurisdictions that have, in the Attorney General’s opinion, substantially eliminated cash bail as a potential condition of pretrial release from custody for crimes that pose a clear threat to public safety and order, including offenses involving violent, sexual, or indecent acts, or burglary, looting, or vandalism. The Attorney General shall update this list as necessary.
(b) The head of each executive department and agency, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall identify Federal funds, including grants and contracts, currently provided to cashless bail jurisdictions identified pursuant to subsection (a) of this section that may be suspended or terminated, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law.
New Jersey received approximately $22.155 billion in federal aid for FY 2024.
