1. United States
2. Alaska
3. Letter

I am writing to you as a deeply concerned Alaskan alarmed by the dangerous and deliberate erosion of American democracy under Donald Trump’s influence — and by Congress’s troubling silence in the face of it. What we are witnessing is not merely the return of a controversial political figure. It is the rise of authoritarianism in real time. In recent weeks, Trump has escalated his attacks on the legal profession — not through argument or democratic process, but through direct intimidation. His administration has issued executive orders against some of the most respected law firms in the country: Jenner & Block, Perkins Coie, Covington & Burling, and Paul Weiss — firms that have had attorneys involved in investigating Trump or representing clients who have. He has stripped lawyers of their security clearances, barred firms from federal buildings, and cut off government business with them and their clients. He publicly demanded loyalty pledges, retaliated when he didn’t get them, and even forced one firm to provide $40 million in pro bono legal work in exchange for lifting sanctions. This is not politics as usual. This is a regime that punishes dissent and demands submission. It is a pattern seen time and again in history — where a single individual uses the power of the state to silence critics, retaliate against the rule of law, and consolidate personal control. But the most chilling part is this: it’s working. Law firms are surrendering. Major institutions are falling silent. People are afraid to speak out. The legal community — one of the most essential safeguards of democracy — is being systematically targeted. And yet, most of Congress remains quiet. Where are you? Why aren’t you — and your colleagues — doing more to push back against this clear and present danger? Why aren’t you sounding the alarm about the ways Trump is undermining the legal system, intimidating lawyers, and weaponizing the executive branch? American democracy cannot survive the normalization of authoritarian behavior. Every institution that capitulates to these tactics emboldens them. Every official who chooses silence over action becomes complicit. This moment requires courage. It requires collective action. And it requires you — as an elected representative of the people — to use your voice and your power to resist this assault on our Constitution and the rule of law. Please do not sit by and hope this passes. We need you to act — now.