Trump Critiques Obama Presidential Center Amid Canada Discussion

CHICAGO – President Donald Trump criticized the Obama Presidential Center during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday. Trump labeled the project in Chicago‘s Jackson Park a “disaster” and attributed delays and cost overruns to what he called the “woke” hiring practices associated with former President Barack Obama.

During the meeting, Trump diverged from the main topics of tariffs and U.S.-Canada relations to voice his opinions on the construction progress of the center. He said, “I mean look, President Obama — and if he wanted help, I’d give him help because I build on time and on budget — he’s building his presidential library in Chicago. It’s a disaster,” referencing delays in the project.

Trump alleged that Obama’s insistence on diversity-focused hiring had led to substantial issues. “He wanted people that, like, never did it before, and he’s got a disaster on his hands,” Trump added.

The Obama Foundation quickly pushed back against Trump’s claims. A spokesperson stated that the remarks were not based in fact and highlighted ongoing work at the center, which includes a museum, a library branch, and other facilities.

<pThe foundation shared in a statement, "Everyone who sees the Obama Presidential Center is blown away by its beauty, scale, and the way it will be an economic engine for Chicago and a beacon of hope for the world." They confirmed that the center is privately funded and does not use taxpayer dollars.

Despite the project’s timeline shifting to 2026, Chicago labor leaders condemned Trump’s remarks. Bob Reiter, president of the Chicago Federation of Labor, defended the union construction workers involved, stating, “Chicago’s highly trained, highly skilled union construction workers are building this state-of-the-art facility. The job isn’t shut down and continues on an aggressive schedule despite Donald Trump’s obsession with President Obama.”

Construction continues on the 19.3-acre site, which has faced legal hurdles but remains scheduled to offer its facilities to the public in spring 2026.