Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama Call to Defend American Democracy in a Time of Crisis!

The Issue

A Public Statement Urging the Preservation of American Democracy and Global Standing

Dear Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama,

We, The People of the United States of America, respectfully and urgently request that you join together, as one voice, and address the nation to defend our democratic institutions, reaffirm the rule of law, and denounce the ongoing actions and rhetoric of Donald J. Trump.

America is facing a historic crisis.

As former Commanders-in-Chief who served our country with dignity, commitment to the Constitution, and deep respect for the peaceful transfer of power and free and fair elections, your voices are uniquely powerful.
At this moment in our history, your leadership is urgently needed- not in office, but in example.

Below is a list of just some of the ways that Donald J. Trump, through his actions and rhetoric, has consistently undermined the foundations of our democratic institutions and eroded the fundamental principles enshrined in the United States Constitution. His disregard for our international allies has not only diminished the dignity of the United States on the world stage but also strained critical diplomatic relationships. Consequently, his conduct has compromised global security and placed both American service members and civilians in greater danger, both at home and on the world stage.

1) Attempting to End Birthright Citizenship
Trump issued an executive order aiming to terminate birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. While this move was blocked by a federal judge, who deemed it "blatantly unconstitutional", we cannot be sure that Trump will acknowledge the rulings of any judges, including the Supreme Court (see point 4 below)
We are a proud nation, rich in diversity and stronger for it. We are a nation of immigrants, from all over the globe, that will never stand idly by as our fellow Americans' rights are stripped and trampled beneath the heel of bigotry and fear.

2) Suspension of Habeas Corpus
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that the administration is open to "all legal and constitutional remedies" to expedite mass deportations, including the possible suspension of habeas corpus for undocumented immigrants. Habeas corpus has mainly been used, both in the past and today, to help people who are being held in jail or prison get released, as noted by Justice Hugo Black in a 1962 Supreme Court decision. People have also used habeas corpus to challenge things like losing custody of a child, being sent to a psychiatric hospital against their will, being drafted into the military, harsh pretrial release conditions, restrictions during probation or parole, and being banned from tribal land.
The suspension of habeas corpus has been done only 4 times in US history, and never without repercussion. The combination of these unprecedented times and a suspension of habeas corpus, would be disastrous for Americans across the country.
3) Excessive Use of Executive Orders
In the first 100 days of his presidency, Trump has relied heavily on excessive use of executive orders to implement policies, often bypassing legislative processes. This approach has led to numerous legal challenges, with critics arguing that he has exceeded his constitutional authority and violated the Administrative Procedure Act. He has signed at least 142 executive orders in his first 100 days, more than any previous American President. The average number of executive orders by the previous 10 presidents is 269 in a 4 year term!
This "power grab" through deceptive means, has already wreaked havoc internationally and here in our Homeland. Unchecked, it threatens to destroy our very home.

4) Disregard for Judicial Oversight
Since his inauguration in January 2025, Trump has defied court orders on deportations, ignored the Supreme Court ruling on the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, publicly attacked judges and judicial authority who ruled against his policies, and refused to comply with orders on federal employment practices. Within the first 100 days of this term, his administration has faces over 200 lawsuits challenging various policies including immigration actions, funding cuts, and executive orders. Courts ordered more than 70 rulings impeding key initiatives, such as mass deportations and restrictions on birthright citizenship. Despite these setbacks, the administration often proceeded with its agenda, leading to further legal battles.
His contempt for our judiciary saw its most recent peak with the arrest of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan. This action was taken to "send a message" and we hope you will join together, and speak now, to return the message in kind.

5) Deterioration of U.S.-Canada Relations
Trump's hostile policies towards Canada, including proposed tariffs and inflammatory remarks about annexation, have fueled anti-American sentiments by our Canadian neighbors and allies. This backlash contributed to the unexpected victory of the Liberal Party in Canada's recent federal election, which demonstrates the deep offense we have caused to one of our closest neighbors and allies.

6) Confrontational Meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
In the televised Oval Office meeting, Donald Trump and J.D. Vance engaged in a very contentious and confrontational exchange towards President Zelenskyy, leading to the abrupt end of the meeting and the suspension of all U.S. military aid to Ukraine. Not only was it undignified, but it was also cruel, and as such, further provoked the anger of the global community.
The shameful behavior exhibited by both Trump and Vance toward President Zelenskyy in that meeting, earned well-deserved shaming from the EU, France, Germany, Ireland, the UK, Canada, just to name a few.
The continued disrespect that Trump heaps upon other nations, is damaging international relations at breakneck speed, and will have deep repercussions for our beloved Country.

7) Unpredictable Foreign Policy Decisions
The "America First" agenda has lead to a series of unpredictable foreign policy moves, including launching a widespread tariff war, slashing foreign aid, and criticizing NATO. These actions have unsettled international allies and prompted some to reconsider their defense and economic strategies.



Additionally, Trump, despite his claim that "Starting on day one, we will end inflation and make America affordable again, to bring down the prices of all goods.", our economy seems to be getting worse and the average American is feeling the strain. We are on the verge of an economic recession or worse. Below is a list of just some of the ways that Trump's policies and actions are negatively affecting the U.S. and global economies.

1) Aggressive Tariff Policies and Trade Wars

In April 2025, Trump declared "Liberation Day" announcing sweeping tariffs that affected a broad range of imports. These tariffs led to significant market volatility, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping over 4,000 points within 48 hours- the most substantial declinesince the COVID-19 pandemic. The Penn Wharton Budget Model projected that these tariffs could reduce long-term U.S. GDP by 6%, wages by 5%, and an estimated $22,000 lifetime income loss for the average middle-income household.

2) Inflation and Rising Consumer Costs
The imposition of tariffs increased the cost of imported goods, contributing to inflationary pressures. Small businesses anticipated wholesale price hikes due to potential tariffs.

This environment of rising costs led to decreased consumer confidence and spending.

3) Market Volatility and Investor Uncertainty
The unpredictable nature of this administration's economic policies, including sudden tariff announcements and reversals, created uncertainty in the markets. This was reflected in the doubling of the U.S. Economic Policy Uncertainty Index since January 2025. Major stock indices experience significant fluctuations and the U.S. dollar fell to its lowest level since 2022.

4) Impact on Small Businesses and Employment
Small businesses faced challenges due to increased input costs and declining demand. Dada from Intuit indicated a 3.5% employment drop among small firms in the first quarter of 2025.





This is not a partisan- Right vs. Left, Conservative vs. Liberal, Republican vs. Democrat- issue.
This is a dire emergency that requires ALL Americans to come together as one people to fight the Trump Administration's actions that are actively destroying our Democracy.

Our country is in a tail spin, and now is the time to speak as one voice.

This is why we beg of you, Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama: Please speak up in front of ALL of America and defend our Constitution, the Truth, and of our Democratic Principles that truly Make America Great!

This moment is asking so much of all of us.
You joined us once before,
to strive toward the great vision that every American deserves,
namely, a life of life, liberty and happiness.

Please sirs, help our country once again navigate the waters that toss and batter our freedoms, lead us into division and weakness, and threaten to destroy the very fabric of the American Spirit that we hold so dear to our hearts.

Please speak now, and join us in telling Trump and his corrupt Administration that these actions are not welcome here in the United States.
Please reach across the aisle and publicly decry the actions of this corrupt Administration, as with one voice, you remind all Americans, that UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL!

Your country has never needed you more. You have always answered that call.
Please answer it once more, for Us... the People.

With Deep Respect and Urgency,
We the Undersigned Americans