Stop Presidential Abuse of Power

On April 2nd, 2025, Donald Trump had 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.” By declaring a national emergency, Donald Trump has unlocked access to over 120 statutory powers scattered throughout federal law, included and not limited to the following: 1. Control of Domestic Communications- 47 U.S.C. §606(c): Allows the president 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”. This could include activists, journalists, and every day Americans executing their first amendment rights.  3. Domestic Military Deployment: Under the Insurrection Act (10 U.S.C. §§ 251–255), the president can deploy active-duty U.S. military to enforce laws or suppress civil unrest within the country. This can be done without the consent of Congress and state governor.  4. Emergency Detention Powers (Non-Citizens): The Alien Enemies Act (50 U.S.C. §21): A law dating back to 1798 — allows the president to detain or restrict the movement of non-citizens from nations deemed “hostile”.  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: During a declared emergency, the president can waive federal labor regulations and override contract protections. This includes removing limits on hours, wages, and workplace safety for federal contractors and any industries deemed vital to national security. 7. National Security Letters & Warrantless Surveillance: Emergency declarations expand the reach and use of National Security Letters (NSLs) — tools that let federal agencies demand financial, telecom, and internet records without a warrant. These also come with gag orders, preventing the recipient (e.g., Google or a bank) from disclosing that they’re under surveillance. We demand that you and your fellow Representatives/Senators to continue to push back on tariffs in Congress and immediately open an investigation into what Donald Trump deems as a “national economic emergency.” We the People will not tolerate this form of abuse and overreach of power from the Executive Branch.