Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, once the epitome of America’s power couples, are now grappling with issues challenging their post-presidential endeavors. Accusations of racial discrimination are hampering their $800 million presidential center project in Chicago, Illinois, while speculation about their marriage grows as they increasingly live apart.
Financial difficulties have hit the foundation supporting the project, with fundraising falling from $311 million in 2022 to $129 million in 2023. Key supporters such as Jeff Bezos and Brian Chesky have retracted their critical financial backing, with one unnamed donor mentioning Barack Obama’s “arrogance” as the breaking point. Despite having over 82,000 donors, the foundation finds it difficult to sustain momentum amidst questions about high executive compensation and management choices.
A $40 million racial discrimination lawsuit from II in One Concrete, a Black-owned subcontractor, presents a significant challenge for the project, which is integral to the first Black president’s legacy. The subcontractor claims construction firm Thornton Tomasetti subjected them to “excessively rigorous and unnecessary” inspection standards, pushing the company toward bankruptcy. The lawsuit reveals a disparity between the project’s diversity aspirations and its actual operations. The Obama Foundation maintains it would have stepped in if it had found any signs of racist intent from a vendor. Thornton Tomasetti rejects the allegations, blaming the issues on the subcontractor’s inexperience and subpar performance.
Costs for the center have escalated from $500 million to $800 million, resulting in the longest delay between a presidency and the completion of a presidential library. Unlike traditional presidential libraries, this embattled project will not house presidential archives and will not be supervised by the National Archives. While the foundation claims to have raised $1.5 billion of its $1.6 billion goal, ongoing legal challenges and withdrawing donors raise questions about its ability to complete the project.
The Obamas’ private life has also been highlighted. Michelle Obama has been absent from two notable public events, leading to speculation about their marital status. Their last recorded joint public appearance was in early December 2024. Sources have suggested tensions rose after Michelle chose not to run for president, causing Barack frustration. Despite their efforts to portray a cohesive public image, such as Michelle sharing Barack’s statement about a recent aviation tragedy, their increasingly separate schedules have attracted attention.
Support for the presidential center within the local community has also waned. Local activists express concern that the completed center will increase property prices, potentially displacing long-term residents. Meanwhile, environmental groups are protesting the destruction of parkland and wildlife habitats. The project designed to be the pinnacle of Obama’s legacy now risks becoming a symbol of overreach and poor management.