Trump Vows End No Cash Bail, Federalizes D.C. Police, Targets Chicago Crime

President Trump has launched a robust campaign against no cash bail policies, particularly targeting Chicago's SAFE-T Act, which eliminated cash bail in Illinois. Despite data showing declines in violent crime in both Washington, D.C., and Chicago following the implementation of no cash bail, Trump described such policies as a "disaster" and vowed to change the law, calling for Republican support in Congress to do so. Concurrently, he declared a crime emergency in Washington, D.C., federalizing the Metropolitan Police Department and deploying the National Guard to address what he described as rampant crime and lawlessness. Trump criticized local Democratic leadership in both cities, blaming them for rising crime and pledging swift enforcement actions against gangs and criminal networks. His administration argues that no cash bail laws contribute to criminals being released prematurely, despite data and reports indicating mixed or improved crime statistics under these reforms. The president's approach signals a broader federal intervention in local crime policies, framing the issue as a national security and public safety priority.