Trump Rescues Obama

Does Obama need Trump’s help?

CHICAGO — President Donald Trump is calling out former President Barack Obama over the ballooning costs and chaos surrounding the Obama Presidential Center — a taxpayer-free but privately funded project that’s become a lightning rod for criticism over its embrace of controversial diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mandates.

Speaking from the White House on Tuesday, President Trump — a world-renowned builder with decades of experience finishing massive projects on time and under budget — offered to help save the floundering $830 million Obama Center, now years behind schedule and plagued by lawsuits.

“If Obama wanted real help, I’d give it,” Trump said. “But instead, he chose political correctness over competence — and now he’s got a total disaster in Chicago.”

The Obama Presidential Center was originally expected to cost $350 million. But under the Biden-era obsession with DEI hiring quotas and “woke” contracting rules, the budget has skyrocketed to over $830 million — with no recent update on final cost projections. Trump said the project reflects what happens when liberal politics get in the way of real-world performance.

DEI Over Merit?

From the beginning, the Obama Foundation pushed aggressive diversity quotas — requiring at least 35% of contracts to go to minority-owned businesses, regardless of prior qualifications. The results? Construction delays, lawsuits, and spiraling costs.

One minority contractor even filed a $40 million lawsuit this year, claiming it was pushed out due to lack of qualifications — ironically validating what critics say about DEI policies replacing merit with politics.

“They didn’t hire experienced builders. They hired woke activists,” Trump said. “Now it’s millions over budget, and nobody’s held accountable.”

A Symbol of Failed Liberal Priorities?

The 19-acre Obama Center will feature a 225-foot museum, digital archives (not a traditional physical library), and even an NBA-regulation basketball court — but no federal funding, since it doesn’t meet the criteria for an official presidential library.

Construction is ongoing, but with delays and internal conflict, critics say it’s becoming a monument not to legacy — but to liberal mismanagement.

Trump warned the project’s problems are bigger than dollars and cents. “It’s embarrassing for the country. The presidency deserves better.”

Obama Foundation Responds

The Obama Foundation’s communications chief, Emily Bittner, responded to Trump’s remarks, defending the project and claiming it remains on track for a 2026 opening.

“Visitors are consistently impressed by the Obama Presidential Center’s striking design,” she said, describing it as both a “symbol of inspiration” and a “driving force for Chicago’s economy.”

She also claimed the hundreds of workers on-site daily prove the project is making progress and reiterated that no taxpayer funds are being used. However, critics argue that private funding doesn’t excuse failure — especially when the fallout affects local communities and erodes public trust.

Trump: “Bring in the Pros”

President Trump concluded his remarks by once again offering assistance. “I could fix it. Or I could recommend real professionals who know how to build. But it’s not being done professionally — and the results are plain to see.”