The order, titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on American Streets,” directs the Justice Department to expand indefinite forced treatment for people with mental health disabilities or substance use disorder, and those living on the street who “cannot care for themselves.” The order also purports to eliminate federal funding for evidence-based programs, like harm reduction and housing first, that save lives, and directs federal funds toward cities and states that criminalize substance use disorder, punish people for sleeping outdoors, or enforce other laws targeting unhoused people.

Cruelty is the only response this administration knows. They’re not interested in fixing problems; they just want to punish anyone they see as inconvenient.

Since the ACLU neglected their obligation to remind everyone, I will do it this time—executive orders aren’t laws. Nobody has to follow them, although a relatively small number of people in the employ of the federal government might get fired if they don’t.