*Barack Obama’s efforts to raise money to compete construction on his $830 million presidential center are reportedly in jeopardy.
According to The Daily Beast, costly delays and worrying setbacks are hindering what should be a lasting tribute to America’s first black president. So much so that its raised questions among center fundraisers about the M.I.A. status of some of the center’s heavy contributors.
To some, Obama’s struggle to obtain funds is music to their ears, considering fundraising for the center dipped more than 50% to $129,320,227. in 2023. IRS filings also found that more than $311 million in funds were amassed in 2022 from respective $100 million donations from Jeff Bezos and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky. As a result, the 2024 totals are nervously anticipated by supporters as costs and delays rise.
“He’s arrogant,” a donor who ended up giving substantially less than they could told the Beast. “He didn’t help others when they were trying to fundraise and so they’re not going to look out for the Obamas now. There’s no quid pro quo because it’s a one-way street.”
The fundraising drama is further heightened by questions donors may be raising on more than $5 million paid out in “executive compensation” in 2023 as well as $27,365,683 in other wages the same year. In addition, the $740,000 salary paid to Obama’s friend Valerie Jarret is coming under the microscope, especially for a project that is not likely to open for another year at the earliest.
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According to the Beast, the Obama presidential center is on track to take a record time – at least 3,100 days – between the end of a presidency and the opening of a presidential library. Right now, various buildings with the looming tower at the heart of the privately-funded 10-acre complex are in various stages of construction. What has been erected so far is the tower’s library, a fruit and vegetable garden; a museum; an auditorium; and outdoor meeting areas.
In comparison to other presidential readeries, the libraries of George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush took an average of 1,653 days, Bill Clinton’s took 1,398, and Ronald Reagan 1,000 days.
“The Obama Foundation is building a world class cultural institution on the south side of Chicago, where we are inspiring, empowering and connecting people to change their world – whether it is through visiting the 19 acre campus or participating in our renowned leadership programs. Our mission and impact resonate broadly, which is why we have attracted more than $1.5 billion in donations through 2023 to support our construction and our leadership programs,” an Obama Foundation spokesperson said.
Yet a cloud still hovers over the center, with a $40 million lawsuit filed by a concrete contractor alleging discriminatory practices and its opening date shifting from late 2025 to Spring 2026 because the flowers will be in bloom.
So what say you? Is the slowdown in fundraising for the Obama presidential center a sign of inner turmoil or is it just the normal ups and downs that come with making sure things are on course with completing a significant project?
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