Presidential Libraries representing several former U.S. Presidents have issued a collective statement, marking the first time they have joined forces to express concerns about the state of American democracy.

The statement carries the signatures of libraries representing past presidents such as Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George & Barbara Bush, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon, Lyndon Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Harry Truman, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Herbert Hoover.

Notably absent from the signatories is the presidential library for Donald J. Trump, primarily because it has not yet been established, Mediaite reported.

This joint declaration is believed to be their inaugural united statement on the condition of American democracy and contains the foreboding phrase, “others see our own house in disarray.”

“Americans have a strong interest in supporting democratic movements and respect for human rights around the world because free societies elsewhere contribute to our own security and prosperity here at home,” the statement reads. “But that interest is undermined when others see our own house in disarray.”

“The world will not wait for us to address our problems, so we must both continue to strive toward a more perfect union and help those abroad looking for U.S. leadership,” it continues before calling on “Our elected officials must lead by example and govern effectively in ways that deliver for the American people. This, in turn, will help to restore trust in public service.”

Written by staff