1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern over former President Trump’s reckless tariffs, which are already devastating the U.S. economy, undermining global trade stability, and concentrating dangerous levels of power in his hands. Congress must act immediately to stop this economic crisis from escalating further. The facts are indisputable. Trump’s surprise announcement of sweeping tariffs sent stock markets into a tailspin, wiping out $2 trillion in a single day. Global markets are reeling, and American businesses—especially manufacturers and exporters—are now facing massive uncertainty. Despite the chaos he has unleashed, Trump has made it clear that these tariffs are not an economic policy but a power play, demanding loyalty from businesses and foreign governments alike in exchange for exemptions. As economists, financial analysts, and even members of Trump’s own party have pointed out, these tariffs are arbitrary, incoherent, and likely designed using AI-generated nonsense rather than legitimate economic analysis. The results are already evident: major companies like Stellantis and Whirlpool are laying off workers, foreign nations are retaliating with their own tariffs, and investors are unable to plan for the future. Meanwhile, Trump himself has left Washington for a luxury golf tournament in Florida, showing utter disregard for the damage he has inflicted. But this is about more than just bad economic policy. These tariffs are part of a larger effort to dismantle the post-World War II international order, isolate the U.S. from its allies, and consolidate power under Trump. His administration is actively gutting key government agencies, slashing funding for libraries, arts, and history programs, and punishing states like Maine for refusing to bow to his authoritarian demands. Republican leaders in Congress could stop Trump’s self-serving economic war at any time, but so far, they have refused. If they continue to allow him to run roughshod over constitutional checks and balances, they will bear responsibility for the economic and political consequences. I urge you to: 1. Reassert Congress’s authority over tariffs by passing legislation to limit the executive branch’s power to impose them unilaterally. 2. Demand transparency regarding how these tariffs were calculated and hold hearings to expose the reckless decision-making behind them. 3. Take a stand against economic extortion by ensuring that no American business is forced to pledge loyalty to Trump in exchange for economic relief. The American people are watching. If Congress fails to act, voters will remember who stood by as Trump’s corruption and incompetence sent our economy into freefall. I expect a response outlining your position on this critical issue and the steps you will take to protect your constituents from Trump’s economic sabotage