President Trump criticized the Obama Presidential Library during a press briefing, calling its design “not too pretty” and linking its $850 million price tag to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The remarks came after reporter Reagan Reese asked about the project, which has faced widespread criticism for its brutalist architecture and construction delays.
Trump alleged that former President Barack Obama’s focus on hiring women and minority contractors led to inefficiencies, stating, “They’re stuck. He wanted only women and DEI to build it. That’s what they got.” The president highlighted the project’s $550 million budget overrun, attributing it to “DEI over merit.”
The Obama Foundation selected an inexperienced Black woman as lead architect and mandated that over 35% of contracts go to minority-owned businesses. Critics argue this approach caused design flaws, delays, and a $40 million lawsuit from a Black-owned concrete subcontractor, which accused the engineering firm of racial discrimination.
Residents of Chicago have mocked the library’s appearance, comparing it to “something out of Star Wars” or other unflattering references. The project, initially estimated at $300 million, is now slated to open in 2026 after four years of setbacks. Trump’s comments underscored his broader skepticism of DEI policies, framing the library as a cautionary tale of prioritizing identity over quality.