Dear Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and Rep. Nick Begich,
I write to you today as a deeply concerned citizen and constituent regarding the regressive and economically destructive policies being promoted and reinstated by the Trump Administration across trade, immigration, health care, international aid and education. These policies not only threaten the foundational strengths of the modern U.S. economy, but they are also rapidly diminishing America’s credibility and competitiveness on the global stage.
Despite the administration’s nostalgic fixation on manufacturing as the bedrock of economic power, the truth is that the U.S. economy has evolved. Our strength lies in our service industries, health care research, tourism, education and related innovation, and the economic energy fueled by immigration. Rather than supporting and expanding these pillars, the administration is deliberately undermining them — imposing chaotic and sweeping tariffs, gutting academic exchange and immigration frameworks, attacking health care systems, and underfunding education at every level. These actions are not only ill-advised — they are economically suicidal.
The reality that the United States is no longer the singular economic superpower it once was must be acknowledged. Our failure to accept and adapt to this shift is blinding us to the emergence of a new, dynamic world order. Countries such as China, India, Brazil, and even Canada are asserting themselves economically and diplomatically in ways we cannot ignore. The BRICS alliance — comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, now with participation from key South Pacific and Middle Eastern nations — is becoming more economically cohesive and influential than the G7. These nations are expanding their foreign aid to the Global South while the Trump administration has essentially abandoned America’s historic role in international development and humanitarian support.
It is disheartening that while BRICS strengthens economic ties and establishes new trade settlements in local currencies, the United States is actively undermining the very alliances and institutions that have long upheld the global economic order anchored by the dollar. If we continue down this path, we risk seeing the U.S. dollar lose its position as the world’s default trade currency — a shift that would have staggering consequences for our national economy.
As members of the Alaskan delegation in Congress, I urge you to take decisive steps:
1. Reassert Congressional Authority Over Trade: The Constitution vests Congress with the power to regulate commerce. It is time to reclaim this authority and prevent future administrations from weaponizing trade policy for political theater and destroying our economy as a result.
2. Rebuild Diplomatic and Economic Alliances: We must stop alienating allies and start repairing vital relationships. Multilateralism is not a weakness — it is the cornerstone of sustained economic strength.
3. End the scapegoating of immigrants and return to tried and true policies that invite immigration. Immigration invigorates our economy and counters the death spiral of declining US birth rate.
4. Educate Yourselves on the New Global Economy: Members of Congress must fully understand and acknowledge the transformation occurring in global trade, finance and development. Policies should reflect reality, not nostalgia or ignorance.
5. Reinforce the Independence of the Federal Reserve: The politicization of monetary policy is perilous. Congress must protect the Fed’s autonomy to ensure economic stability and integrity during these unstable, transitional times.
Our nation’s future depends not on regressive nationalism but on strategic adaptation, global engagement, and investment in the strengths we currently possess.
Finally, Show Leadership. Our country’s future requires it … NOW, WHILE THERE IS STILL TIME.
Van Abbott is a long-time resident of Ketchikan, first arriving in 1984. He served as Assistant Finance Director for the City of Ketchikan and the Ketchikan Gateway Borough and was Ketchikan Public Utilities’ Telecommunications Division Manager for over a decade. He also has lived in Fairbanks for six years and Anchorage for five.
