Obama Presidential Center Opens in Chicago as Former Presidents Unite
CHICAGO — Former President Barack Obama formally opened his presidential center in Chicago on Thursday, an event that brought together all living former U.S. presidents—except the current White House occupant—in a ceremony marked by star performances, emotional speeches, and an undercurrent of political tension.
The dedication ceremony, held on the grounds of the $850 million center, featured appearances by former presidents Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, along with former first ladies Jill Biden, Laura Bush, and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Obama and his wife, Michelle, posed with their predecessors before the event, a rare gathering of the country's former leaders.
President Donald Trump was not among the announced guests, and according to multiple reports, he was not mentioned by any of the speakers or performers throughout the ceremony. Trump had previously called the center a “total disaster” in a social media post in February.
The event, which was invite-only and live-streamed, drew a mix of politicians, celebrities, athletes, and local figures. Performers included Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, U2's Bono, Christina Aguilera, John Legend, Marc Anthony, and Eddie Vedder. Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, comedian David Letterman, and tennis legend Billie Jean King were among those in attendance.
In his speech, Obama struck a characteristically hopeful tone while also alluding to concerns about the state of American democracy. “I hope this center will serve as an affirmation of just how special, how precious our democracy truly is and remind us what we can achieve when we embrace our shared responsibilities as citizens,” he told the crowd, drawing applause. He also used the phrase “no kings,” a popular anti-Trump protest slogan, which resonated with the audience.
“People aren't looking for perpetual anger and division,” Obama said. “They are looking for fairness and common sense and mutual respect.”
Obama praised both Democrats and Republicans, including those he defeated in elections. “Every president here today, as different as we are, has tried our best to uphold values that John McCain and Mitt Romney believed in no less than I did,” he said. “It is our greatest inheritance.”
Michelle Obama delivered remarks that, according to multiple outlets, included pointed criticism of Trump without naming him. She denounced what she called “the lies about your birthright,” a reference to the baseless “birther” conspiracy promoted by Trump more than a decade ago. According to The Guardian, she launched what it described as “full-frontal attacks on Trump’s authoritarian approach,” portraying such actions as an affront to American values. Other outlets, including ABC Australia and Africa News, described her remarks as emotional and focused on her husband's legacy.
The center, which houses Obama's presidential records and mementos from his two terms in office, opens to the general public on Juneteenth (June 19). Organizers expect more than a million visitors annually at the nearly 20-acre campus, which features a museum, a library, and an NBA-sized basketball court, as well as a 69-meter-tall granite tower.
Obama reflected on his personal connection to Chicago, noting that he arrived in the city in 1985 as a young community organizer. He met Michelle nearby, their wedding reception was within walking distance, his children were born in the neighborhood, and he launched his first political campaign not far away. “It's an expression of thanks, an acknowledgment that so much of what I hold most dear I owe to the people of this city and the people of the surrounding neighborhoods,” he said.
The event also highlighted the rarity of former presidents gathering together, a tradition that has been strained in recent years due to Trump's continued criticism of Obama and his breaking of the informal truce that once characterized the “presidents' club.” Illinois Senator Dick Durbin expressed disappointment at the current political climate, saying, “I'm so disappointed we've reached this point.”
The opening of the Obama Presidential Center marks the culmination of more than a decade of planning and construction, and it stands as a testament to the legacy of the nation's first Black president, even as political divisions persist.