1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to publicly oppose the Trump administration's dangerous policy of targeting transgender Americans as potential domestic terrorists. This discriminatory practice violates constitutional rights and creates conditions that historically precede state-sponsored violence against vulnerable populations. National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 directs intelligence agencies to investigate left-wing organizations for domestic terrorism, specifically mentioning "extremism on gender" and "hostility towards those who hold traditional American views on family." Leaked documents reveal the FBI is preparing to designate trans people as "nihilistic violent extremists" and compiling lists of individuals involved in "radical gender ideology." In February, the Department of Homeland Security changed policy to allow surveillance of people based solely on sexual orientation or gender identity. This targeting emerged after the Trump administration falsely linked transgender people to terrorism following isolated incidents, despite the overwhelming majority of mass shooters being cisgender men. Vice President JD Vance suggested trans people are part of a "terrorist movement," rhetoric that experts warn sends a message that these individuals can be targeted for violence. The human cost is already severe. Kathy Brennan suffered a stress-induced heart attack in December from constant worry about her trans wife Alaina Kupec's safety. Survey data shows 55% of trans people have taken steps to be less visible in their communities since the 2024 election. Organizations like Kupec's nonprofit GRACE stopped hosting public events due to fear of government targeting. The Movement Advancement Project found 43% of trans Americans considered relocating to another state, with many facing insurmountable financial barriers. Jon Lewis from George Washington University's Program on Extremism explains that labeling people as terrorists sends a message they can be targeted for violence. History demonstrates that government designation of minority groups as threats creates conditions for systematic persecution and violence. I urge you to publicly condemn these policies, introduce or support legislation prohibiting surveillance based on gender identity, and demand accountability for agencies implementing discriminatory targeting practices. Your constituents deserve protection from government overreach that threatens fundamental civil liberties.