Latest news with #ObamaPresidentialLibrary
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump slams Obama for using ‘woke' construction workers for his presidential library
President Donald Trump slammed his predecessor, former President Barack Obama, and his Chicago Presidential Center during his meeting with the new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney. Trump referred to the project as a 'disaster,' and blamed 'woke' construction workers. The meeting between Trump and Carney in the Oval Office focused mostly on tariffs and the shaky relationship between Canada and the U.S. Responding to Trump's comments about making Canada the 51st U.S. state, Carney said his country is 'not for sale' and 'won't be for sale, ever.' Meanwhile, Trump said the U.S.-Canadian border was 'artificial,' and doggedly suggested once again that Canada join the U.S. Trump blasted the construction of the Obama Presidential Library during an Oval Office meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney But Trump also slipped in a few digs about the Obama Presidential Library, which is currently under construction in Jackson Park in Chicago. "I mean, look, President Obama — and if he wanted help, I'd give him help because I build on time and on budget — he's building his presidential library in Chicago. It's a disaster," said Trump. "And he said something to the effect, 'I only want DEI, I only want woke.' He wants woke people to build it. Well, he got woke people, and they have massive cost overruns, the job is stopped. I don't know, it's a disaster." It wasn't clear what exactly Trump meant by 'woke,' but he said the Obama project construction workers weren't 'mean' enough. Trump used undocumented Polish construction workers in New York before he first became president, according to court testimony. He paid $1 million to settle labor complaints in 1998. The Obama Foundation website states that 'impressive strides' have been made to finish the presidential center, and the organization says it is 'doing so while working to build an environmentally friendly campus.' In last month's construction update, the foundation outlined how exterior glass is being installed at 'Home Court,' which is being described as a '45,000-square foot multipurpose space.' Meanwhile, 'granite work' is being done on the Forum Building, which will host 'community activity and engagement.' The 'two courtyards will bring light and green space to the building,' the foundation states. Installation of the museum exhibits has started, which will be an 'immersive experience' outlining the history of Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama and their 'role in democratic progress.' The update stated that dozens of 'energy-efficient plans' are being enacted on the campus. Trump blasted the project as "millions of dollars, like many, many — I mean, really, millions of dollars over budget.' He claimed the issues stemmed from Obama wanting 'to be very politically correct and he didn't use good, hard, tough, mean construction workers that I love.' "He wanted people that, like, never did it before, and he's got a disaster on his hands," he said. An Obama Foundation spokesperson told CBS News that Trump's comments were baseless and that he was speaking about "a relatively common dispute between two subcontractors over work that has already been completed.' "Everyone who sees the Obama Presidential Center is blown away by its beauty, scale, and the way it will be an economic engine for Chicago and a beacon of hope for the world," the foundation said. "We look forward to welcoming all visitors to the 19.3-acre campus next spring, to experience a presidential center that not only honors the Obamas' legacy but also lifts up the next generation of leaders."
Boston Globe
07-03-2025
- General
- Boston Globe
Hands of time
Astrid Donnellan, a master craftsperson who at the age of 87 restores antique clock dials on about 150 clocks a year. Two of her restored face plates of antique clocks sit on a table as she carries another clock to be restored. She works from her studio loft in her backyard barn. She began her career in 1985 and is one of a few female clock dial restorers with her caliber of expertise in the country. She uses real oil paint and fine sable brushes and 23k pure gold leaf in her restoration. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff The number of clock repair shops has been declining in the Boston area as skilled craftspeople retire and interest in antique clock collecting diminishes. Advertisement Donnellan's restorations are noteworthy, though. She applied the gold leaf to the hands of the clock in 'Everything is a challenge.' Donnellan said as she dabbled her sable-hair brush into red ochre paint. She points to a photograph of the Boston Custom House Tower clock hands that she restored by applying gold leaf to them in 1987. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff She considers herself an ornamental artist restoring the antique faces of clocks made of iron, metal, glass, and sometimes porcelain, mostly dating from 1790 to 1860. 'The most satisfying thing is that I'm saving history for people.' she said. Many of her customers are from the PBS program 'This is going to be for the Obama Presidential Library. I have until June to finish it,' Donnellan said. It will be a reproduction of a grandfather clock, made between 1795-1805 in Boston by John and Thomas Seymour, that sits inside the Oval Office of the White House. Donnellan sits in her usual comfy work chair wearing a brilliant purple sweater as she leans over a clock face adorned with dainty orange flowers. Carefully she outlines the number 7 before finishing it in black oil paint. Advertisement Donnellan worked on a clock as one that she painted for herself sat on a table in front of her. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff Her world is filled with a kaleidoscope of colors. Painted flowers appear three-dimensional against black backgrounds. Tarnished with time, clock dials sit on a table, waiting for her work. The pale yellow tones of a full moon and faded hues of a windmill scene will soon be glowing again after she's done. Whispering, as if trying to keep a secret, Donnellan explains that she also restores bad restorations that come into her studio. 'They're just no good,' she says. She's proud of her Old World painting techniques. 'I'm using oil paint just like the Old Masters,' she says. 'I sleep good at night knowing I restored a clock as close to original as I can.' Clutching another clock dial, she laughs and says she hopes to live past 100 with all the work ahead of her. Only time will tell. Donnellan carried an 1825 clock face plate into her studio in Hingham. John Tlumacki/Globe Staff
Fox News
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
DNC taps far-left progressive to revitalize party and more top headlines
1. Dems tap far-left progressive with long list of critiques for America to revitalize party. 2. Trump issues 'last warning' to Hamas terrorists. 3. Fighter jets drop eight 500-pound bombs on homes by mistake during training. FINAL CHAPTER – DOGE terminates lease at Obama Presidential Library site. Continue reading … NICKEL AND DIMED – Hunter Biden plays the broke card in latest move to fight laptop scandal lawsuit. Continue reading … GANG HEADQUARTERS – Mayor's 'weak immigration laws' made city target for violent TdA gang. Continue reading … 'ABSOLUTE BULLS---' – Dem's curse-laden tirade when liberals are confronted over illegal alien spending. Continue reading … LEGAL TACTIC – Idaho murder suspect claims health issue to avoid being shot to death if convicted. Continue reading … -- ON WARNING – Pause in US foreign aid has UN in panic over funding cuts. Continue reading … CLASS DISMISSED – Trump admin expected to make moves to abolish Department of Education as soon as today. Continue reading … 'REALITY ON OUR SIDE' – Trump guest shares special message to president after address to Congress. Continue reading … HAT IN THE RING – Cuomo faces new Democratic challenger in bid to replace Mayor Eric Adams. Continue reading … 'GET BETTER' – Gavin Newsom asks Charlie Kirk to give Dems 'advice.' Continue reading … 'WALZ'ING AROUND THE QUESTION – Failed VP candidate doesn't say who leads the Democratic Party. Continue reading … 'LITTLE PADDLES' – Protests, disruptions during Trump address mocked by liberal media figures. Continue reading … WOKE-UP CALL – Americans react to Trump declaring there are 'only two genders' during address. Continue reading … HUGH HEWITT – Morning Glory: Democrats try outrage theater, and fail. Continue reading … REP. HARRIET HAGEMAN – Pink bicycles or a cure for cancer: How do you believe our money should be spent? Continue reading … -- 'CALLS YOU HOME' – Brave boy fighting cancer, honored by Trump, delivers heartfelt message about God. Continue reading … HOLY HIGH – Construction begins on tallest religious statue in the world. Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ – Test yourself on film feats, basketball battlegrounds and sizzling speeches. Take the quiz here … BURGER BLOW – Popular restaurant chain considers closing dozens of locations. Continue reading … FOOD FOR LIFE – Celebrity chef reveals breakfast surprises. See video … KRISTI NOEM – I have identified some leakers of ICE operations and will prosecute them. See video … DR. SHEILA NAZARIAN – There is a double standard for antisemitism in colleges and Hollywood. See video … What's it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading… Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! We'll see you in your inbox first thing Friday.
Fox News
05-03-2025
- Business
- Fox News
Musk's DOGE terminates lease at Obama Presidential Library site
The Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has terminated the lease at the Obama Presidential Library site, although it is unlikely to impact operations there since it is due to shutter later this year and move to a new location. The library is located at the Hoffman Estates in the northwest of Chicago and is separate to the sprawling 19.3-acre Obama Presidential Center near Jackson Park in the southside of Chicago which is under construction and is expected to be completed next year. The site at the Hoffman Estates is run by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), as are all presidential libraries, while the Obama Presidential Center is a private venture being overseen by the Obama Foundation. DOGE this week updated its list of nearly 750 federal lease terminations, totaling around 9.6 million square feet in size, which included the Hoffman Estates site. The agency, which has been tasked by President Donald Trump to cut wasteful federal spending, said the terminations will save the taxpayer $468 million in lease savings. The DOGE website did not provide a timetable for the closures, although a NARA spokesperson told Fox News Digital the Hoffman Estates library was scheduled to close in late Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and move to College Park in Maryland. The government's FY 2025 runs through Sept. 30, 2025. There are about 25 million unclassified paper documents at the Hoffman Estate building, according to NARA's estimate, and they are currently being digitized and will be available in digital format at the Obama Presidential Center when it opens. Under the 1978 Presidential Records Act, NARA gets custody of all presidential records and artifacts when a president leaves office. Currently at the Hoffman Estates are also 35,000 physical artifacts, including gifts given to the Obamas. The library, a converted former furniture showroom, also houses former President Barack Obama's silver BlackBerry, the draft of Obama's first inaugural speech he wrote on a paper pad, a signed Pittsburgh Steelers football, a jeweled sword from Saudi Arabia and dresses worn by former first lady Michelle Obama. Those artifacts will also be sent to Maryland and occasionally lent to the Obama Presidential Center, the Chicago Tribune reports. NARA began leasing the building in 2016, paying $1.4 million each year in rent, according to the Chicago Tribune, citing the General Services Administration, which runs the government's real estate portfolio. The building is owned by Hoffman Estates Medical Development LLC, who bought it in 2011 and transformed it into a fortified, climate-controlled facility. The Obama Presidential Library is expected to open some time next year and has been plagued by delays and cost overruns. It was initially expected to cost $350 million but that figure ballooned to $830 million in 2021. It is unclear what the total costs will be. It will consist of a 235-foot tower museum, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, conference facilities, a gymnasium and a regulation-sized NBA court. It will also house the nonprofit Obama Foundation, which is overseeing the center's development.
