The White House has issued a new executive order aimed at ending cashless bail policies and tightening pretrial detention measures in the District of Columbia. The order, signed by President Donald J. Trump on August 25, 2025, follows Executive Order 14333, which declared a crime emergency in Washington, D.C.
According to the text of the order, federal officials believe that current pretrial release practices—including prohibiting cash bail—have led to repeat arrests and the rapid release of individuals considered dangerous. The administration states that these conditions are impeding federal operations and threatening public safety for residents, visitors, and government workers in the nation’s capital.
“It is therefore the policy of my Administration that all necessary and lawful measures be taken to end cashless bail policies and ensure the pretrial detention of any criminal suspect who threatens public safety,” President Trump said in the order.
The directive instructs relevant federal law enforcement agencies and members of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force to ensure arrestees are held in federal custody whenever possible under existing laws. Federal charges and pretrial detention will be pursued for suspects deemed threats to public safety.
The Attorney General is also tasked with reviewing Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) policies to identify any that may result in unsafe pretrial releases. If needed, updates or modifications will be requested from the Mayor of D.C., as outlined under section 740 of the District of Columbia Self-Government and Governmental Reorganization Act (Public Law 93-198).
Further steps include requiring the Attorney General to determine if D.C. continues to prohibit cash bail for certain crimes prosecuted under local code—especially violent offenses such as rape, murder, carjacking, assault, as well as property crimes like burglary or vandalism. Should such policies remain unchanged, executive departments may take actions including reviewing federal funding decisions or service provisions to encourage policy changes by local authorities.
“Such actions may include Federal funding decisions or the provision of Federal services or approvals by agency heads, as well as actions the Attorney General identifies as necessary and appropriate because of the emergency conditions based upon which section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act has been invoked,” according to language in Section 3(b) of the order.
The order clarifies it does not affect legal authorities granted elsewhere nor create enforceable rights against U.S. agencies or officers. Implementation is subject to applicable law and available appropriations.
Publication costs for this executive order will be covered by the Department of Justice.
