1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the rapid erosion of democratic norms and institutions occurring in the United States under the current administration. The recent actions taken, such as pardoning criminals, firing independent watchdogs, purging apolitical officials, ignoring laws, and unilaterally dismantling federal programs and organizations, are alarming signs of authoritarian overreach. The use of arcane laws like the Alien Enemies Act to deport individuals without due process, and the potential defiance of court orders, represent a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the system of checks and balances that is foundational to American democracy. This accelerated pace of democratic backsliding is unprecedented and threatens to push the United States into the ranks of electoral autocracies if left unchecked. The independence of the judiciary and its ability to serve as a guardrail against unconstitutional actions is now being directly challenged. Attacks on the free press, academic institutions, and political opponents are equally concerning hallmarks of democratic erosion that must be firmly resisted. I urge you to take immediate action to rein in these anti-democratic excesses and abuses of power before it is too late. Upholding democratic principles, preserving constitutional checks and balances, and respecting human rights and civil liberties must be prioritized over partisan interests. The United States' status as a global exemplar of democracy hangs in the balance. Swift and resolute measures are needed to reverse this authoritarian slide and prevent the US from losing its democratic standing on the world stage.