During a meeting on May 6, 2025, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, President Donald Trump criticized the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, referring to it as a “disaster.” He attributed construction delays and rising costs to what he characterized as “woke” hiring practices, accusing former President Barack Obama of prioritizing diversity over qualifications.
“He wanted people that, like, never did it before—and he’s got a disaster on his hands,” Trump said during the Oval Office appearance.
The Obama Foundation swiftly rejected Trump’s claims, calling them baseless. They confirmed the $800 million project is privately funded, uses union labor, and remains on track for its 2026 opening. Located in Jackson Park, the center is expected to bring economic opportunities to the city’s South Side.
“He said something to the effect ‘I only want DEI. I only want woke,’” the president claimed of Obama. “He wants woke people to build it. Well, he got woke.” said Trump.
Critics see Trump’s remarks as part of a broader political attack on diversity and inclusion efforts. Meanwhile, the center continues construction, with work underway on the museum, library, and community spaces.
