Former President Joe Biden’s planned presidential library is facing serious uncertainty due to major fundraising struggles. According to the New York Times, the Biden library foundation expects to raise only $11.3 million by 2027—far short of the roughly $200 million typically needed. The project has received no new donations in 2024 and relies heavily on leftover funds from Biden’s 2021 inauguration. No site has been selected, and some donors have suggested merging the library with existing Biden facilities at the University of Delaware.
By comparison, the Obama Foundation has raised over $1.5 billion, while Donald Trump’s planned Miami presidential library aims to raise nearly $1 billion and already has land and funding secured. Biden’s difficulties are compounded by donor fatigue, frustration among top Democratic donors, and backlash over his presidency, including the pardon of his son, Hunter.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to blame Biden for nearly every major problem facing the country—from inflation and immigration to Ukraine and agriculture—even as voters increasingly hold Trump responsible for current conditions. Polls show most Americans now blame Trump, not Biden, for the state of the economy.
As Trump deflects blame and Biden’s legacy projects stall, both men’s presidencies remain deeply intertwined in a political blame game that shows no sign of ending.