Sandy Peterson is a Democrat from Grimes.

I am writing as a concerned citizen to respectfully urge the U.S. Supreme Court to exercise its critical role in upholding the constitutional checks and balances that safeguard our democracy. Recent actions by President Donald Trump during his second term raise serious concerns about the overreach of executive power and its impact on the American people, our economy, our allies, and the fundamental principles of our government.

The president’s policies, including the imposition of sweeping tariffs, have disrupted global trade, triggered retaliatory measures from allies like Canada and the European Union, and increased costs for American consumers, particularly the middle and lower classes. These economic measures, enacted under emergency powers, risk destabilizing our economy and discouraging tourism, as international confidence in the United States as a stable destination wanes.

More troubling are actions that appear to threaten the First Amendment right to free speech. Reports indicate efforts to penalize media outlets and individuals critical of the administration, including investigations into state and local officials and restrictions on academic institutions, which could chill open discourse. Such measures, if unchecked, could undermine the free press and public expression, which are cornerstones of our democracy. No previous administration has pursued such broad retaliatory actions against broadcasters or individuals for their speech, and these steps set a dangerous precedent.

The separation of powers, a bedrock of our Constitution, also appears at risk. Executive orders, such as those reinstating Schedule F to reclassify federal employees and targeting diversity programs, suggest an attempt to consolidate power within the executive branch, bypassing Congress and judicial oversight. The Trump administration has cited the Supreme Court’s rulings, including the 2024 immunity decision, to justify expansive executive authority, raising concerns about the erosion of checks by the legislative and judicial branches.

I respectfully implore the justices to carefully consider the long-term implications of these actions when reviewing relevant cases, such as those challenging the president’s executive orders on birthright citizenship, tariffs, and federal agency restructuring. Your authority to review and, where necessary, limit executive actions is vital to preserving the balance of power among the three branches of government.

Without such oversight, I fear our nation risks moving toward a system where one branch dominates, to the detriment of our democratic institutions and the well-being of all Americans, particularly the middle and lower classes who bear the brunt of economic instability.

The Supreme Court has historically served as a guardian of constitutional principles, ensuring that no individual or branch exceeds its authority. I urge you to continue this legacy by addressing these concerns with the gravity they demand, reinforcing the judiciary’s role as a check on executive power, and protecting the rights and freedoms that define our nation.

Thank you for your dedication to justice and the Constitution. I trust in your wisdom to navigate these challenging times and uphold the principles that keep our democracy strong.