Former President Joe Biden has officially announced plans to build his presidential library in Delaware — but he’s already struggling to raise the cash needed to make it happen.
Biden has tapped a group of former aides, longtime allies, and big-name Democrats to spearhead the project. The newly formed Joe and Jill Biden Foundation board includes former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, senior adviser Steve Ricchetti, and Democrat mega-fundraiser Rufus Gifford, who will serve as chairman.
However, Biden’s team faces a steep uphill battle. Many wealthy Democratic donors have stopped giving, and even corporations — which historically support presidential libraries no matter the party — are hesitant to contribute in today’s political climate.
President Donald Trump, now back in the White House, regularly slams Biden and left-leaning organizations, making it even harder for Biden’s team to bring in money.
“We’re not going to set unrealistic goals for ourselves,” Gifford admitted in an interview, signaling just how difficult this project will be.
The Skyrocketing Cost of Presidential Libraries
Building a presidential library today comes with an eye-popping price tag:
- George H.W. Bush Library (1997): $43 million
- Bill Clinton Library: $165 million
- George W. Bush Library: $500 million (fully funded before opening)
- Barack Obama Presidential Center: $1.6 billion — the most expensive in history
Biden’s team hasn’t released an official budget yet, but insiders say the cost will likely fall somewhere between Obama’s record-breaking project and Bush Sr.’s modest build.
This means Biden will need hundreds of millions of dollars — at a time when donors are deeply divided over the future of the Democratic Party.
Why Delaware — and Not Pennsylvania
While Biden was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, he chose Delaware for his library location. Delaware was the launching pad for his political career, where he first won a county council seat in 1970 and went on to spend 36 years in the U.S. Senate.
Delaware leaders celebrated Biden’s decision, calling him their “favorite son.” The library will reportedly feature:
- An immersive museum highlighting Biden’s four controversial years in office.
- Educational spaces for policy events and civic engagement.
- A hub for leadership and community outreach aimed at future Democrat leaders.
Biden’s Slow Start Compared to Other Presidents
Biden’s planning process has been unusually slow. Most presidents move quickly on their libraries:
- Bill Clinton announced his library location during his second term.
- Barack Obama selected his site before leaving office.
- George W. Bush chose Southern Methodist University while still serving his second term.
By contrast, Biden waited over 100 days after ending his reelection bid to take action, signaling a lack of urgency and enthusiasm from his base.
Trump’s Presidential Library: A Stark Contrast
While Biden struggles to raise money, President Donald Trump has been quietly preparing for his future presidential library with far more success:
- Trump has won millions in legal settlements from lawsuits against ABC News, Paramount Global, Meta, and X, with a portion earmarked for his library fund.
- The Qatar government gifted Trump a $400 million Air Force One replacement, which he plans to display at his library — at no cost to U.S. taxpayers.
This stark contrast highlights Trump’s momentum and influence while Biden fights to keep his legacy alive.
Why It Matters for 2026 and Beyond
Biden’s library fight isn’t just about bricks and mortar — it’s about the future of the Democratic Party.
With Trump leading a Republican resurgence, Biden’s fundraising woes symbolize a fractured Democrat base and declining enthusiasm among donors and voters.
For conservatives, this is proof that Trump’s America First agenda is thriving, while Biden’s legacy fades into obscurity.
As the 2026 midterms approach, the contrast between Trump’s success and Biden’s struggles will be front and center, motivating Republican voters and boosting GOP momentum nationwide.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Biden’s library faces massive fundraising hurdles.
- Trump is outpacing Biden, both financially and politically.
- The battle for presidential libraries reflects the larger fight for America’s future.
Final Thought:
Biden’s desperate bid to fund his library shows just how weak and divided the Democratic Party has become. Meanwhile, President Trump’s historic victories are setting the stage for a strong conservative future.