Trump says Miami presidential library likely to be a hotel, calls Obama centre ‘unattractive’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has revealed his vision for a future presidential library in Miami, Florida, suggesting it may take the form of a luxury hotel, complete with striking design features.

Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office on Tuesday, March 31, Trump outlined his plans while also taking aim at former President Barack Obama’s presidential library project in Chicago.

Trump outlines vision for Miami presidential library project

Trump said his future presidential library would likely be built in downtown Miami and could take on a unique concept compared to traditional libraries.

“I think you're going to see a great one here, and it'll go up on time, on budget, best location in Miami,” he said.

He added that while the concept could include office space, it is more likely to be developed as a hotel with a distinctive architectural style.

“You know, this concept could be office, but it's most likely going to be a hotel with a beautiful building underneath and a 747, Air Force One in the lobby,” Trump explained.

The idea appears to focus not just on preserving presidential history but also on creating a landmark destination. Trump also shared a preview video of the proposed design, which prominently featured the name “TRUMP” in large letters and showcased a grand interior with a dining hall and an aircraft resembling Air Force One displayed inside the lobby.

Trump criticizes Barack Obama’s Chicago library

While discussing his own project, Trump drew a sharp comparison with Barack Obama’s presidential library, which is currently under construction in Chicago.

“The Barack Hussein Obama one in Chicago is not a good location and it's a very unattractive building, that's seriously late and seriously over budget!” Trump said.

Obama’s library is scheduled to open on June 19 this year, a date that coincides with the Juneteenth holiday.

Architects promise ‘most iconic’ presidential library

The proposed Miami project has been linked to Bermello Ajamil, a global architecture and engineering firm credited at the end of Trump’s preview video.

Willy Bermello, a principal at the firm, shared an ambitious vision for the project in an email, saying it would stand out among all presidential libraries in the United States.

The building will “certainly be the most iconic and tallest US Presidential Library in the history of our country,” Bermello said.

He also highlighted the strategic importance of the location, noting that a downtown Miami site would attract significant attention and foot traffic.

“This strategic downtown location basically guarantees that more visitors will visit this destination than any other in history and its design will serve as a beacon to all cruise ships entering the Miami Harbor,” he added.

Eric Trump says project reflects ‘heart and soul’ effort

Trump’s son, Eric Trump, also weighed in on the project, sharing his personal connection to the development.

The 42-year-old said he had invested deeply in the idea and sees it as a defining tribute.

“This landmark on the water in Miami, Florida will stand as a lasting testament to an amazing man, an amazing developer, and the greatest President our Nation has ever known,” Eric said.