1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

Under IEEPA, the president can declare a national emergency and impose tariffs without a congressional vote, unless Congress terminates the emergency through a joint resolution. Trump recently declared a national economic emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) — granting himself sweeping authority over international trade by labeling foreign economic practices an “unusual and extraordinary threat.” This unlocked access to over 120 statutory powers scattered throughout federal law. Many of these powers have nothing to do with trade — and everything to do with expanding presidential authority inside the U.S. What This Move Enables: Expanded Domestic Powers 1. Control of Domestic Communications - 47 U.S.C. §606(c): Allows the president to take control of, shut down, or regulate communications in the name of national defense. 2. Asset Freezing and Financial Surveillance - These powers are vague and can be stretched to include domestic political groups, journalists, or activists — especially if they’re perceived as having foreign ties or influence. 3. Domestic Military Deployment - Under the Insurrection Act (10 U.S.C. §§ 251–255), this can be done without state governor consent — especially if the president claims state authorities are failing to uphold federal law. 4. Emergency Detention Powers (Non-Citizens) - The Alien Enemies Act (50 U.S.C. §21) — a law dating back to 1798 — the criteria for “hostile” can be broad and undefined during a declared emergency. 5. Control of Energy and Transportation - Under laws like 42 U.S.C. §6272 and others, the president can redirect or restrict domestic fuel production, electricity usage, or energy transportation. Additionally, 49 U.S.C. §40106(b) allows the president to limit, reroute, or suspend civil aviation, giving the executive branch near-total control over U.S. airspace in a crisis. 6. Suspension of Labor Regulations 7. National Security Letters & Warrantless Surveillance - Emergency declarations expand the reach and use of National Security Letters (NSLs) — tools without a warrant and preventing the recipient from disclosing that surveillance. Why it Matters? This lets the president: - Frame the issue as a national security crisis, justifying aggressive action - Bypass Congress and the courts by acting unilaterally - Sway public opinion using fear, urgency, and patriotic rhetoric Bottom Line 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.” This is about redefining the boundaries of executive power. Imagine if this economic crisis keeps getting worse — the amount of power he will gain. Please work with your colleagues access the aisle to terminate this “emergency” through a joint resolution.