Joe Biden’s presidential library found a home in Delaware, the state that shaped much of his political career. The plan marks a new chapter in his legacy, but the fundraising effort is reportedly hampered by both former Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign and concerns over catching the ire of President Donald Trump.
Building a library of this scale takes millions, and fundraising now shifts into focus. Some of Biden’s previous donors say they may be stretched thin after years of campaign contributions, raising questions about where the money will come from and if the former president will build the momentum he needs.
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Traditionally, these projects rely on a mix of private donations from supporters and public funds provided by the federal government.
Fundraising challenges ahead
John Morgan, a Florida lawyer and longtime Biden supporter, told NBC News he wants a refund after raising $800,000 for Biden during his presidency. He said the money instead went to Harris after she replaced Biden as the Democratic nominee for president.
Other donors expressed support for Biden’s plan but admitted they rarely contribute to presidential libraries. They say they see their money as better spent on other things, not bricks and mortar.
Sources familiar with Biden’s plans say the library aims to raise $200 million to $300 million, significantly less than the $850 million projected for the Obama Presidential Library in Chicago. Trump is also planning a presidential library in Florida. Among its planned exhibits is the 747 “megajet” originally acquired from the Qatari royal family. Trump’s library will have a boost from his multiple legal settlements against news outlets.
NBC reported some donors said their hesitation goes beyond money. A few worry that giving again could draw unwanted attention from the White House and the current administration.
Others prefer to save their resources for future Democratic campaigns while the rest point to strained encounters with Biden’s inner circle, saying those experiences left them reluctant to open their wallets.
Biden has also faced backlash both inside and outside his party. Critics raised concerns about his age and health while in office, while allies were unsettled by his decision to step aside in the presidential race.
What are presidential libraries?
Presidential libraries are more than just buildings filled with papers. They are part archive, part museum and part classroom. Sixteen of them make up the national system, each overseen by the Office of Presidential Libraries, according to the National Archives.
The modern system began with former President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who envisioned a library that would preserve presidential records for public access and study, blending historical archives with museum exhibits.
Inside, you’ll find everything from official records to personal artifacts, all meant to give the public a window into a president’s time in office. The idea is to preserve history and spark discussion, without leaning toward any political side.
Costs and sustainability
The system now costs taxpayers more than $100 million a year, according to data reviewed by the National Taxpayers Union Foundation.
Supporters say the system preserves history and ensures transparency, but the rising price tag has fueled questions about whether it is financially sustainable. Staffing, maintenance and technology needs all add to the bill. The National Archives, which oversees the libraries, faces the challenge of balancing open access to records with fiscal responsibility.
Congress has tried to rein in costs by requiring former presidents and their foundations to cover a portion of expenses. Still, most of the operating budgets come from taxpayers.
Digital archives: A model for the future?
Some experts point to the Obama Presidential Library as a possible path forward. Instead of housing boxes of physical records, it relies on a fully digital archive, a move that could eventually save millions.
