The delay and ballooning budget have made the project a flashpoint. The center's cost has nearly doubled from its original estimate and is now projected at close to $1 billion. The Obama Foundation has said that the project is privately funded and does not rely on taxpayer dollars.

President Donald Trump has offered to help out with the development the Obama Presidential Center which has been plagued by huge cost overruns and delays. The project has embraced diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

The two presidents continue to throw shade at each other despite sharing a laugh at former President Jimmy Carter's funeral earlier this year.