Biden Foundation Selects Delaware for Presidential Library

Former President Joe Biden has chosen Delaware, one of his home states, as the site for his presidential library, foregoing earlier consideration of Syracuse University. A 13-member governance board, including key figures like Antony Blinken and Rufus Gifford, has been established to oversee fundraising and site selection for the project, which will feature a museum and archive highlighting Biden’s presidency and focus on leadership and civic engagement. Fundraising efforts face challenges amid Democratic Party divisions and donor hesitancy following recent political controversies and losses, with the board opting not to set a fixed budget but aiming for a cost between the $43 million George H.W. Bush library and the $1.6 billion Obama center. Biden’s decision and project planning come later than typical for recent presidents, who often announced library plans before leaving office, and the team is mindful of the complex environment surrounding presidential library funding today. Despite these hurdles, the board remains cautiously optimistic about meeting fundraising goals, with the project intended to preserve Biden’s four years as president. The timeline for completion remains unclear.