Is President Joe Biden’s legacy at risk of being shelved before it even starts? Reports reveal a staggering shortfall in fundraising for his presidential library, painting a picture of a project teetering on the edge of obscurity.

According to a recent New York Times report, the former president has secured just a sliver of the funds needed for his library, with no new donations rolling in during 2024 and a daunting $200 million target looming large, Fox News reported. 

Starting with high hopes, Biden’s library foundation has hit a wall, relying solely on $4 million leftover from his 2021 inauguration to keep the dream alive. It’s a far cry from the ambitious goals set by his aides. And while the foundation remains tight-lipped on 2025 contributions, they admit active fundraising is only just beginning.

Fundraising Falls Far Behind Peers

Compare this to the heavyweight fundraising of other former presidents, and the gap is glaring. Barack Obama’s Chicago center has amassed a whopping $1.5 billion, while Donald Trump has set sights on over $950 million for his Miami project. Biden’s team, meanwhile, reported to the IRS an expectation of just $11.3 million by the end of 2027—a drop in the bucket.

“Still, Mr. Biden’s foundation told the I.R.S. this year that it expected to bring in just $11.3 million, total, by the end of 2027,” The New York Times noted. That’s not just underwhelming; it’s a signal that the donor base may not be as energized as hoped. One has to wonder if this reflects a broader disillusionment with Biden’s tenure among traditional Democratic supporters.

Even loyal contributors seem out of reach, with many not even contacted about donating. Others in the Democratic sphere are reportedly uninterested, focusing instead on countering President Trump or harboring frustration over Biden’s time in office. It’s a tough spot for a project meant to cement a legacy.

Donor Discontent Adds to Woes

One prominent Democratic donor didn’t mince words on the matter. “I would not give a penny towards the library,” said John Morgan, a longtime party supporter, to The New York Times. It’s a brutal assessment of the project’s appeal.

Morgan went further, suggesting that the handling by Biden’s team has tarnished the effort. “The Biden staff ruined any type of good library for him,” he added to The New York Times. Such sharp criticism from within the party underscores a deeper disconnect that could haunt this endeavor.

To cut costs, the foundation is mulling over a merger with existing Biden-related institutions at the University of Delaware, his alma mater. This could tap into funds already earmarked for “Biden Hall,” though the university has stayed mum on any potential consolidation. It’s a practical move, but hardly the grand vision one expects for a presidential tribute.

Delaware Dreams Face Budget Reality

Biden himself has expressed a preference for a Delaware-based library, envisioning a modest setup compared to Obama’s sprawling center. Yet even a scaled-down version seems out of reach with current fundraising woes. It’s a humble goal, but humility alone won’t build brick and mortar.

The foundation has delayed fundraisers, opting instead for what they call “intensive research,” including tours of other presidential libraries. “We continue to be in an exploratory and planning phase,” said Kelly Scully, a spokeswoman for Biden, to The New York Times. While preparation is wise, donors might see this as stalling rather than strategizing.

Meanwhile, Biden Hall and the library project are vying for the same limited donor pool, creating internal competition. Many supporters hope the library could be housed within the hall to streamline efforts. Yet, no official word on a merger has come from either the foundation or the university.

Legacy at Risk of Being Diminished

The lack of momentum is striking when you consider how presidential libraries often serve as enduring symbols of a leader’s impact. Without significant financial backing, Biden risks a legacy that’s more footnote than monument. It’s a sobering thought for a man who spent decades in public service.

While progressive causes often rally around symbolic projects, the apparent donor fatigue here suggests a disconnect with Biden’s base—or perhaps a rejection of yet another taxpayer-adjacent expense. The challenge now is whether Biden can reignite interest in a project that feels more like a burden than a celebration. Conservative skeptics might argue this is what happens when political capital outpaces practical support.

In the end, Biden’s library saga is a tale of ambition clashing with reality. Will Delaware see a modest tribute to its native son, or will this project fade into obscurity? Only a renewed push for funds—and perhaps a dose of donor goodwill—will tell.