Donald Trump and Barack Obama engage in a public exchange of criticisms, with Trump mocking Obama’s delayed and over-budget library and museum project during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The Obama Presidential Center, a 19-acre endeavor in Chicago, has faced significant setbacks, with costs soaring from $350 million to $830 million and an opening delay to 2026. Despite these challenges, supporters anticipate the center’s positive impact, projecting $3 billion in economic activity and revitalization for the local community.

Plans for the Obama Presidential Center include various amenities such as a forum, athletic center, walking trail, and more, aiming to spur economic development. Trump further criticized the project’s hiring approach, claiming Obama prioritizes hiring “woke” individuals, leading to construction issues.

Meanwhile, Obama has been critical of Trump, particularly regarding executive authority use and democratic values. Obama urged entities to resist the administration’s actions and criticized decisions like canceling federal contracts and targeting institutions for diversity programs. Despite past animosity, Trump has shown some admiration for Obama, referring to him as a “nice gentleman” during the 2024 campaign.

The ongoing back-and-forth between the two former presidents highlights their contrasting approaches and ongoing public exchanges, with Trump even expressing interest in running against Obama in a hypothetical third-term scenario.