Former U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama face challenges in their fundraising efforts for the Obama Presidential Center.
According to Daily Mail, some of the couple's largest donors have withdrawn their support amid speculation about their marriage, causing a significant decline in fundraising for the Chicago-based presidential library.
The project experienced a sharp decrease in donations, with fundraising dropping by more than 50 percent following substantial contributions from prominent donors like Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, who each provided $100 million in 2022.
One donor who reduced their contribution cited Barack Obama's perceived attitude as a determining factor.
The individual criticized the former president's approach to reciprocal relationships within the fundraising community.
A donor who decreased their contribution shared their perspective on the situation:
He's arrogant. He didn't help others when they were trying to fundraise and so they're not going to look out for the Obamas now. They're no quid-pro-quo because it's a one-way street.
Concerns have also emerged regarding the allocation of funds, particularly the $27.36 million spent on wages in 2023, including a $740,000 salary for Obama confidant Valerie Jarrett.
The project confronts additional obstacles beyond funding issues, including a $40 million lawsuit alleging racial discrimination by one of the main construction firms, Thornton Tomasetti.
Robert McGee, owner of II in One, a South Side-based firm providing concrete and rebar services, filed the federal lawsuit seeking construction cost reimbursement. McGee claims his company faced excessive scrutiny and unnecessary paperwork requirements that resulted in substantial financial losses.
Thornton Tomasetti has rejected these allegations, attributing construction delays and costs to what they describe as the "underperformance and inexperience" of McGee's company.
The five-acre compound, initially proposed with a $500 million budget, has now reached an estimated cost of over $700 million. The project aims to serve as a leadership training institute and community center while commemorating Obama's presidency.
Construction began in September 2021 after overcoming legal challenges regarding its location in Jackson Park. The opening date has been pushed back multiple times, with the current timeline set for 2026.
Despite the setbacks, the Obama Foundation maintains its commitment to diversity in hiring local workers, contractors, and firms owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities.
