Obama Presidential Center Faces Criticism Over $850M Chicago Design Plans

President Donald Trump criticized the Obama Presidential Library project, calling it "not too pretty" and noting it has stalled due to funding issues, describing it as a confusing mix between a library and museum. The project, located on Chicago's South Side, has faced significant delays, lawsuits, and community opposition, with its costs ballooning from initial estimates of $300 million to over $850 million. Social media users and figures like Senator Ted Cruz have mocked the library's architecture, comparing it to garbage bins and the "Death Star," while some criticize the decision to build over a park. Despite the backlash, Obama envisions the center as a "living, breathing, dynamic cultural and gathering space" aimed at community activation rather than merely celebrating his presidency. The center, set to open in 2026, includes a towering granite museum, a forum auditorium, a public library branch, a garden pavilion, and an NBA-sized basketball court. Opinions on the center's design and purpose remain polarized, with some excited about its potential community impact and others condemning its aesthetics and impact on local residents.