Trump Promises to Eliminate No Cash Bail in Chicago, Slams Pritzker and Johnson as ‘Incompetent’ Amid National Guard Deployment Threat

President Trump recently announced plans to deploy the National Guard in Washington, D.C., aiming to tackle crime in the capital. This move has drawn attention, especially since violent crime in D.C. is reportedly at its lowest in over 30 years, according to Justice Department data.

During the announcement, Trump highlighted Chicago, blaming crime rates on cash bail policies. He stated, “Every place in the country with no cash bail is a disaster,” and emphasized that this situation began in cities like New York and Chicago. He promised to “end” cash bail there.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker criticized Trump’s comments. Pritzker labeled the police takeover as “unsettling and unprecedented.” He stressed that Trump lacks the authority to impose such measures in Illinois.

In 2021, Illinois passed the Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Equity-Today Act, also known as the SAFE-T Act, which eliminated cash bail statewide. Initially set to take effect in January 2023, it faced delays but was upheld as constitutional by the Illinois Supreme Court in July 2023. Recent data shows no dramatic rise in crime since the law’s implementation; in fact, both violent and property crimes have declined.

Matthew McLoughlin, coordinator for the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice, explained that without cash bail, judges assess whether to release individuals based on the risk of reoffending, not their financial situation. “Families no longer have to choose between paying bail or paying rent, leading to safer communities,” he noted.

David Olson, from the Center for Criminal Justice at Loyola University Chicago, studied the impacts of the SAFE-T Act. While he confirmed that crime didn’t rise post-implementation, he questioned if it could have decreased further without the change.

Despite Trump’s assertions, legal experts like CBS News Chicago analyst Irv Miller argue he cannot single-handedly restore cash bail in Illinois. True reform requires state legislative action, which he doesn’t control.

In response to Trump’s plans for Chicago, Johnson emphasized the progress made under his administration in reducing homicides and shootings. He reminded Trump of cuts made to violence prevention programs during his presidency, which he believes have undermined public safety efforts.

As crime rates evolve, discussions around cash bail and policing will likely continue. Advocates for criminal justice reform stress the importance of nuanced approaches that prioritize community safety over punitive measures.



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Chicago, Illinois, Donald Trump, Crime