Well, folks, it seems even a former president can’t escape the cold shoulder when the checkbook stays shut.

According to the New York Post, former President Joe Biden is hitting a brick wall trying to drum up funds for his presidential library, with many big-name Democratic donors giving a polite but firm “thanks, but no thanks.”

Here’s the crux: Biden’s quest for a library, estimated to need between $200 million and $300 million, is floundering as major Democratic contributors hesitate or outright refuse to pitch in.

Let’s rewind a bit to understand this mess. Biden’s tenure ended with a cloud of frustration within his own party, largely due to his initial insistence on running for a second term despite visible health concerns. That decision led to a shaky debate performance and, ultimately, his withdrawal from the race last summer.

Democratic Donors Balk at Biden’s Library Plans

After Biden stepped aside, former Vice President Kamala Harris took the Democratic nomination but couldn’t clinch the win against Donald Trump in November. The fallout from Biden’s late exit still lingers, souring some donors who feel the party’s current struggles tie back to that stubborn choice. Turns out, political missteps can cost more than just votes—they can cost legacy, too.

More than half a dozen former major donors or fundraisers have voiced their reluctance to NBC News, and it’s not hard to see why. Many harbor no personal grudge against Biden but are wary of becoming targets of the Trump administration if they write big checks. Others simply want to save their cash for the Democratic Party’s future battles rather than a monument to the past.

Then there’s the personal angle—some donors grumbled about unpleasant dealings with Biden’s inner circle. They’ve been asked to open their wallets, but couldn’t even get a returned phone call during his time in office. If you’re going to ask for millions, at least pick up the phone, right?

Funding Woes and Frustrated Contributors

One unnamed donor quipped to NBC News, “No way,” when asked about contributing. That blunt refusal speaks volumes about the uphill battle Biden faces. When loyalty doesn’t even buy a library shelf, you know there’s a problem.

Another donor told NBC News, “I’d like him to have some nice library.” But in the next breath, they added they wouldn’t be spending their money on it. Sounds like a polite pat on the back with a firm nudge out the door.

John Morgan, a personal injury lawyer, didn’t mince words, saying, “I want an $800,000 refund,” referring to funds he raised for Biden that ended up supporting Harris. He even doubted a library would ever materialize, calling it a potential “bookmobile from the old days.” Ouch—that’s the kind of zinger that stings worse than a paper cut.

Comparisons to Other Presidential Libraries

Compare Biden’s struggles to the Obama Presidential Library, set to open in Chicago this spring at a whopping cost of $850 million. Or look at President Donald Trump, who’s already raised millions for his future library and even secured a luxury jet from the Qatari royal family for his foundation—a move Democrats are eyeing with suspicion. Biden’s $200 million to $300 million goal seems modest, yet it’s proving a tougher sell than a snowball in July.

Democratic National Committee Fundraising Chair Chris Korge highlighted another hurdle, telling NBC News it’s a “difficult time to raise large checks for Democrats” due to fears of retaliation from a “vindictive” Trump. That’s a fair concern when political winds can shift faster than a weathervane in a storm. Donors aren’t just writing checks; they’re weighing risks.

Major donor Susie Buell told NBC News, “I’m not inclined to give to libraries.” That sentiment seems to echo across the donor pool, where legacy projects take a backseat to more immediate political needs. It’s pragmatism over nostalgia, and Biden’s team is feeling the pinch.

Legacy on the Line for Biden

Rufus Gifford, chairman of the library board, tried to spin a positive note, saying to NBC News, “Those of us who have been around for a while and love the guy but also understand the full picture want to see what we can do to protect and promote his legacy.” He insisted it’s about the future, not the past. Admirable, but with wallets snapping shut, that future looks more like a dusty blueprint than a grand building.

John Morgan doubled down on his skepticism, warning NBC News of a “Hindenburg heading straight towards us” due to Biden’s second-term misstep and the party’s resulting woes. That’s a dramatic metaphor, but when donors are this disillusioned, the crash landing of a library project might not be far off.

At the end of the day, Biden’s library saga is a cautionary tale about political capital and timing. Push too hard when the cracks are showing, and even your own side might not rally behind you. While no one’s wishing ill on the former president, it’s clear that legacy isn’t built on goodwill alone—it needs cold, hard cash, and right now, that’s in short supply.