Obama Presidential Center’s ID policy sparks voter ID hypocrisy claims
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Obama Presidential Center faces wave of backlash ahead of opening; critics criticize admission policies and raise broader concerns about the cost and management of the project.
Conservative commentators on social media are taking aim at the center’s requirement that Illinois residents show valid identification to get free admission on certain days, arguing that it conflicts with Democratic opposition to voter ID laws.
“To visit the Obama Library in Chicago… they want you to show ID. You can’t make this up!” wrote one social media user.
“The Obama Presidential Library allows people to show ID proving they are Illinois residents to get in for free,” another said. “So residents have to prove who they are for this, but not vote?”
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The text of former President Obama’s speech celebrating the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama, is wrapped on the side wall of the new presidential headquarters in Chicago. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service)
Others echoed the sentiment more explicitly, with one account writing: “Democrat support requires ID… but only for free admission to Obama’s library.”
Obama’s website clearly states that Illinois residents “must be able to provide proof of residence.” Be prepared to show proof of residence at the museum with a valid photo ID, Illinois driver’s license, state ID, or city-issued identification.
Critics also noted reported restrictions on early ticket giveaways, including claims that some promotions were limited to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
The latest controversy builds on a number of previous criticisms of the $850 million project.
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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (L) joins former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama at the groundbreaking ceremony at the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park on September 28, 2021 in Chicago. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Earlier this year, the Obama Foundation faced backlash after calling in 75 to 100 unpaid volunteers, called “ambassadors,” to help run the center even though top executives received significant salaries. Federal records show CEO Valerie Jarrett has earned about $740,000 annually in recent years, while the foundation’s overall salaries have increased significantly.
The project has also faced increasing scrutiny over its financial impact on taxpayers.
Former President Barack Obama once described the center as a “gift” to Chicago and emphasized that it would be privately funded. While construction of the 19.3-acre campus is funded by private donations, the surrounding infrastructure needed to support the site, including road redesign, utility relocation and drainage systems, is covered by public funds.
Early estimates put those infrastructure costs at about $350 million, split between the city and state. But more recent figures show that Illinois alone has committed about $229 million, while Chicago has allocated more than $200 million for related improvements; but officials did not provide a clear, consolidated total of taxpayer spending tied to the project.
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Exterior view of the Obama Presidential Center tower under construction in Chicago. (Fox 32 Chicago)
“There does not appear to be any single agency that would single-handedly oversee the full scope” of infrastructure work, and critics say a lack of transparency makes it difficult to determine the true public cost.
Illinois Republican Party Chairwoman Kathy Salvi criticized the project, accusing state leaders of mismanagement and saying taxpayers were “left on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars.”
The debate is further fueled by the nature of the site. The center is located on approximately 20 acres of historic Jackson Park land transferred under a long-term agreement; along with significant roadway changes, including the removal of a major street and public services revisions needed to accommodate the campus.
Foundation officials have defended the project, saying the center is funded by $850 million in private investment and will serve as an economic catalyst by creating jobs, community programs and public amenities for Chicago’s South Side.
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Despite the reactions, the center continues its long-awaited debut.
Tickets for the museum will go on sale for “Founding Members” on April 21, and general sales will start on May 6. Visitors can reserve timed entry tickets for dates between June 19 and November 30.
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Admission is set at $30 for adults and $23 for children ages 3 to 11; Discounted rates are available to Illinois residents who provide proof of residency. Children ages 2 and under get in for free, and Illinois residents will get free admission on Tuesdays.
All entrances will be timed and staff will warn guests to arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The museum will feature four levels of exhibits, including a replica of the Oval Office and Sky Room.
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Much of the surrounding campus, including gardens, walking paths, a playground, a Chicago Public Library branch, and dozens of newly commissioned works of art, will be free and open to the public.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Obama Foundation and the Barack Obama Presidential Library for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.
