Trump’s Executive Order IGNITES New Legal Battles

A new executive order from President Trump challenges progressive criminal justice reforms, sparking debate over federalism and state autonomy.

Story Overview

President Trump renames the Department of Defense to the Department of War.
The executive order targets jurisdictions with cashless bail policies.
Federal funding is used as leverage against non-compliant states and cities.
Legal challenges and public debates are expected to intensify.

Trump’s Bold Move Against Cashless Bail

On September 8, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order aimed at reshaping the criminal justice landscape in the United States. The order, signed in the Oval Office with key cabinet members present, targets jurisdictions that have adopted cashless bail policies. By threatening to withhold federal funding, the administration seeks to reverse what it views as lenient criminal justice reforms that compromise public safety.

The executive order directs the Attorney General to compile a list of jurisdictions with cashless bail policies, setting the stage for potential legal battles. Critics argue that such measures could undermine local innovations in criminal justice reform, particularly efforts aimed at reducing pretrial incarceration and addressing systemic inequities. However, supporters of the order assert that it restores accountability and prioritizes public safety by ensuring dangerous offenders are not released prematurely.

Renaming the Department of Defense

Alongside its focus on criminal justice, the executive order also includes a symbolic change: renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War. This move marks a return to the department’s original moniker before it was changed in 1947 to reflect a more comprehensive mission. The renaming signifies a shift towards a more aggressive military posture, resonating with the administration’s emphasis on traditional military values and national defense.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, now titled Secretary of War, emphasized the importance of a “warrior ethos” within the military. This change is seen as a reinforcement of the administration’s commitment to a strong national defense and a more assertive stance on global conflicts. Critics, however, view the renaming as a step backwards, potentially signaling a departure from diplomatic engagement and peacetime initiatives.

Federal Funding as a Tool for Compliance

The use of federal funding as leverage is a powerful tool that has been employed by previous administrations to influence state and local policies. In this instance, the Trump administration’s approach is to compel compliance with its tough-on-crime stance by financially pressuring jurisdictions to abandon cashless bail policies.

While the executive order has garnered support from those concerned about rising crime rates, it also faces significant opposition from advocates of criminal justice reform. Legal analysts note that the administration’s reliance on financial leverage raises questions about the limits of federal authority and the potential for overreach. As states and cities prepare for legal challenges, the order’s impact on federal-state relations and the broader criminal justice system remains to be seen.