1. United States
2. Alaska
3. Letter

I am writing to you as a deeply concerned citizen and constituent. Over the past several days, my family—like millions of others—has watched in disbelief as the stock market continues to tumble. We’ve lost between 15% and 20% of our retirement and investment savings. This is not a theoretical problem or an abstract policy debate. This is real. It’s scary. And it’s unsustainable. What’s even more terrifying than the economic fallout is the unchecked power that led us here. The president’s sudden decision to impose sweeping 104% tariffs on China, effective April 9th, has already rattled the global economy, crushed business confidence, and thrown markets into chaos. The administration’s dismissive, even mocking tone toward both allies and advisors underscores a blatant disregard for the systems of governance that were designed to protect us: checks and balances. Regardless of party affiliation, this is a moment that should alarm every American who believes in the Constitution. Congress—not the executive branch—has the power to regulate commerce and levy tariffs. Yet today, that power has been effectively bypassed through claims of “emergency authority,” leaving our economy at the mercy of one man’s whims. There was no “emergency” until now! Even prominent conservatives, including the editors of National Review, have described the current situation as “raw chaos” and called it “preposterous” that a single individual can hold such power over the global economy. Senator Rand Paul said it best: “I don’t care if the president is a Republican or a Democrat. I don’t want to live under emergency rule.” The economic pain is already spreading—rising prices, vanishing savings, and looming job losses. But beyond the immediate financial strain, we are witnessing a dangerous erosion of democratic norms. This is not the America I believe in. Congress must act—now—to reassert its constitutional authority and restore the balance of power. I urge you to support legislation that reins in the executive’s misuse of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), and to demand transparency, accountability, and oversight in all future trade decisions. This is not about politics. It’s about the preservation of our democracy and the stability of our economy. Please stand up—for your constituents, for the Constitution, and for the future of this country.