President Donald Trump unexpectedly criticized the Obama Presidential Center during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
The discussion initially focused on bipartisan legislation and DEI requirements, but shifted to a critique of the project honoring former President Barack Obama in Chicago, Illinois.
“He’s building his library in Chicago. It’s a disaster,” Trump said, referring to the center being constructed in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side.
Trump alleged that Obama insisted on hiring “DEI” and “woke” workers, leading to cost overruns and construction delays, and described the project as “stopped” and a “disaster.”
Emily Bittner, spokesperson for the Obama Foundation, stated that the center impresses with its beauty and scale. It aims to be an economic catalyst for Chicago and a symbol of hope.
Bittner highlighted the center’s upcoming opening next spring and its role in honoring the Obamas’ legacy while supporting future leaders.
The Obama Foundation disputed Trump’s claims, attributing them to a subcontractor dispute over completed work. Construction continued through the winter, with an opening expected in 2026.
Trump expressed disappointment, suggesting that it reflected poorly on the presidency, and offered his construction experience to Obama.
Trump also claimed Obama chose inexperienced workers over “good, hard, tough, mean construction workers,” directing comments at Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The Chicago Federation of Labor refuted Trump’s comments, describing them as “wildly inaccurate and offensive,” and affirmed that skilled union workers are on the project.
The center’s challenges include an increased cost from $350 million to over $800 million, funded privately, with legal battles delaying its opening to 2026.
Ground broke in September 2021 in Jackson Park, and recent disputes include a $40 million lawsuit alleging racial discrimination by a subcontractor, not involving the Obama Foundation.
The center aims to honor America’s first Black president and first lady and serve as a hub for community engagement and leadership on Chicago’s South Side.
Upon completion, the campus will include a museum, auditorium, library, arena, and athletic facilities within a redesigned landscape.
The Obama Foundation projects the center will drive up to $3 billion in economic activity for Chicago’s South Side.
Prime Minister Carney maintained composure in response to Trump’s remarks. He denied any suggestion of Canada becoming a U.S. state and emphasized Canada’s sovereignty. Carney also noted his relief at not revealing his thoughts during the meeting.
