The Biden library is struggling to attract financial support as major Democratic donors refuse to commit, according to a Friday NBC News report. Even longtime Biden allies who once bundled millions are now distancing themselves from the project.
“Most of the more than half a dozen people who were once major Biden donors or bundlers who spoke with NBC News said they harbored no ill will toward Biden himself but either wouldn’t give to the library or would give only a token amount,” the outlet reported. Some described negative experiences with Biden’s inner circle that left them unwilling to contribute again. Others are holding back funds for future Democratic campaigns.
“Me? No way,” one former administration official said when asked about donating. Prominent Democratic donor Susie Buell told NBC she is “not inclined to give to libraries,” while another donor added, “I’d like him to have some nice library. I just don’t see that’s where I’m going to spend my money.”
The Biden team reportedly aims to raise between $200 million and $300 million for the project—far less than the $500 million raised for George W. Bush’s library or the $850 million for Barack Obama’s. But supporters acknowledge a difficult road ahead.
“I don’t think ‘hill’ is the proper term,” one major donor with close ties to Biden told NBC. “It’s going to be much steeper than that.”
