1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

As your constituent, I am writing to demand that you fight to uphold democracy. Donald Trump recently declared a national economic emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) — granting himself broad authority over international trade by labeling foreign economic practices an “unusual and extraordinary threat.” By declaring a national emergency, Trump created a crisis. This move enables: 1. Control of Domestic Communications - 47 U.S.C. §606(c): to take control of, shut down, or regulate wire and radio communications — including the internet, social media platforms, broadcast networks, and telecom infrastructure — in the name of national defense. 2. Asset Freezing and Financial Surveillance - Under IEEPA and related laws, the president can freeze the assets and bank accounts of individuals or organizations accused of aiding foreign threats. These powers are vague and can be stretched to include domestic political groups, journalists, or activists. Even when legal domestic powers are limited, a national emergency permits the president to frame the issue as a national security crisis, justifying aggressive action to bypass Congress and the courts by acting unilaterally. Assert your power in Congress ! IEEPA is focused on foreign threats — but once the emergency is declared, the president taps into a hidden arsenal of domestic control powers. What began as a trade issue could quickly shift into civil liberties restrictions, mass surveillance, or even crackdowns under the legal shield of an “emergency.” Donald Trump is attempting to redefine the boundaries of executive power. None of us should be in favor of an authoritarian state. I urge you to stop this power grab now.