Open Letter addressed to the Honorable Incoming President of the United States Following the 2024 Election

Dear Honorable Incoming President of the United States,

I am a US Citizen of Pakistani origin. a Shia Ismaili Muslim, a seasoned entrepreneur and, a passionate community and economic development professional, an associate member of the American Foreign Service Association, the US Chamber of Commerce, and the American Economic Association, I am preparing to cast my vote for the American President for the second time this November. My life and work are guided by the Holy Quran's clear principles of knowledge, equality, and respect for all, regardless of color or religion. Embracing the American dream, we Muslims have come to this land guided by Abrahamic and Islamic traditions as reflected in the Holy Quran (4:97 and 100).

Your Honor! Regardless of your political affiliation, I ask you to recognize and embrace your crucial responsibility in upholding the core values of equality and addressing the urgent economic challenges we face. As President, one of you has the unique opportunity to restore, revive, and strengthen the U.S. economy, making a significant and positive difference in our nation's future. Let us be inspired by the American principle of equal opportunity without discrimination and Micah 6:8: "Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God," a powerful call from the Holy Bible and Torah to uphold social justice and integrity. Your leadership in these areas can profoundly and optimistically shape our nation's future.

As guardians of America's future, protecting the American dream is essential. I plead you to implement policies that will fortify America's economic future and uphold the social fabric of the United States, ensuring justice, fairness, and equality for all. It is crucial to address our economic challenges now to prevent further decline. The national debt currently stands at $35 trillion and is projected to exceed $55 trillion by 2030 if no decisive action is taken, which presents an urgent crisis. This escalating debt is driven by increased borrowing to repay maturing T-bills at higher interest rates, rising government expenses relative to income, an aging population requiring more social security payments, and looming threats of de-dollarization and the decline of the petrodollar. The current and future economic challenges the United States faces require immediate attention. Avoiding these challenges from being passed on to future generations will be fatal, as they threaten the essence of America as one nation.

The absence of significant war expenditures from 2021 to 2024 hasn't stopped government debt from increasing by $8 trillion. In January 2001, the US national debt was $5.6 trillion; by December 2010, it had risen to $13.6 trillion, an $8 trillion increase attributed to war spending and the 2008 economic recession. The rapid accumulation of debt in the past four years emphasizes the need for urgent comprehensive fiscal reforms to address this escalating crisis. The incoming President must take decisive action to restore fiscal stability and ensure long-term economic health, which will be the ultimate reward of these reforms.

While elections are important and a commendable person must take them as President of the United States, the information shared is available, but it is just for you to remember the situation. As civic society leaders, we emphasize that creating a bipartisan framework to strengthen America’s economic future must be the new President’s priority.

The challenges I bring to your attention are familiar; they have been well-documented by United States federal agencies. Our economic situation is increasingly concerning, with federal spending exceeding $85,000 per household annually. In 2023, the US Census Bureau reported that nearly half of American households earned less than $75,000 annually. Additionally, over 13% of Americans live in poverty, and a 2023 Federal Reserve report reveals that nearly 40% of Americans would struggle to cover a $400 emergency expense.

We are sure the incoming President understands the shared responsibility in guiding our nation toward a prosperous and secure future. With the right leadership, our nation's strength, which lies in its people, can be harnessed to ensure that the government serves everyone effectively and efficiently.

In 2024, the cost of governing our country is estimated to be approximately $85,000 per household, which nearly matches our per capita income. This situation highlights a critical challenge: while our per capita income is 7.1 times higher than that of China, the cost of governing Americans is 10.4 times higher than the expenses incurred by the Chinese government to govern their people. With a population 4.3 times larger than ours, China governs its citizens at a fraction of the cost, focusing on collective social and economic development. Meanwhile, our government, rooted in the democratic principles of "by the People, for the People," must reflect the ideals of freedom and the practicality and efficiency that such freedom demands.

This disparity demands a reassessment of how we manage our resources and prioritize the needs of our citizens. We must ensure that every dollar spent is an investment in our collective future, not a burden on future generations. Our mission is clear: we must harness our economic strength, innovate in our governance, and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to a government that truly serves its people. Our choices today will shape our legacy for future generations, and we cannot afford to squander this opportunity. We must act decisively, with a vision that addresses immediate challenges and lays the foundation for sustainable prosperity.

While assisting other nations has been a long-standing American tradition, our top priority must be America and its citizens. I would like to ask you to address this imbalance with urgency and determination. We must find ways to reduce the cost of governance without compromising essential service quality. Every American must experience the tangible benefits of a government that is not only by the people but also efficient and fair. Together, we can build an America where all share prosperity, opportunities are abundant, and the government truly serves its people. A clear and focused vision for America in 2040 is necessary, with all concerned parties on board and committed to achieving the desired results.

As the founding Rector of the American IDEAL (Islamic Doctrine of Economic Advancement and Leadership) Institute, a leading institution dedicated to fostering economic growth, innovation, and inclusivity, we, as minority American (Asian) entrepreneurs, are unwaveringly committed to our mission. Our dedication to driving economic growth, innovation, and inclusivity is steadfast. We aim to provide strategic guidance, cutting-edge research, and practical solutions to accelerate economic revival in critical sectors, including essential and advanced manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and renewable energy—industries vital for reshaping America’s economic future.

We focus on harnessing the unique potential of global talent, mainly from South Asia, and strategically channeling foreign investments to invigorate these key sectors. As part of our advocacy efforts, we work with policymakers to develop and promote policies that encourage Asian Americans who live and conduct business in Asia to reintegrate into the U.S. economy, bringing their expertise and networks with them. Additionally, we support American entrepreneurs in establishing business enterprises in Asia, partnering with these Asian Americans to create offshore manufacturing hubs that enhance U.S. export competitiveness and build a resilient supply chain for critical domestic manufacturing sectors.

American IDEAL Institute is an incubator for these initiatives, aiming to strengthen essential industries and drive sustainable growth. Although the United States has previously ceded some economic leadership to allies and adversaries, now is the time for decisive action. We stand at a pivotal moment where we can drive transformative progress, reclaim our economic strength, and ensure that America remains a global beacon of opportunity and prosperity. Our resolve as private-sector entrepreneurs is unwavering, and our vision is clear: to lead America into a new era of economic resilience and global leadership, inspiring others to join us in this journey.

After your installation, please focus on America's pressing current and future economic challenges. Your unwavering commitment to public-private partnerships is crucial. The American private sector, which will act as the engine of growth and driver of the United States economy, is not just a participant but a key player in restoring America's economic greatness and ensuring long-term stability. Their involvement is crucial. By focusing on developing the US Economic Vision 2040, the new administration can embark on the journey to secure a prosperous future for the United States of America. America and Americans' future is with the administration.

Your Honor! Thank you for taking the time to read my submission. Economic revival will likely be a central focus in your first 100 days in office. I wish you great success as President and have strong optimism in your leadership, recognizing the profound responsibility of this esteemed position. Your role is vital and empowering in guiding our nation to effectively and innovatively address our economic challenges. Ignoring a threat does not make it disappear; we must confront our challenges head-on. By fostering collaboration between the private sector and bipartisan efforts, we can implement meaningful reforms that ensure long-term stability and prosperity for all Americans. Remember that our shared commitment to this common goal unites us and will ultimately lead us to success. Economic progress is a collective demand from all Americans in this knowledge-driven society.

Brotherly yours

Mehboob Aly Manji

President – Rector – Veteran Nonprofit Professional