Independent journalist and political commentator Megyn Kelly has publicly praised the early architectural renderings for former President Donald Trump's planned presidential library, which were unveiled on Monday. Kelly described the lavish concepts, which include at least two golden statues of Trump, as "classy" in a post on social media platform X.
Lavish Designs and Golden Features
The planned project was initially shared in a video by Eric Trump, one of the former president's sons and an executive vice president at the Trump Organization. The video prominently featured a tall glass tower set to beam over Biscayne Bay in Miami, with Trump's name emblazoned in lights. Eric Trump explained in the clip, "Over the past six months, I have poured my heart and soul into this project with my incredible team at Trump. 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." He added that the images had never been seen by the public until their release.
Statues and Replicas Galore
The corresponding clip showcased a Trump statue positioned at the gold-adorned entryway of the 50-story structure, while another statue towered over a packed auditorium inside with a raised fist. Kelly responded with enthusiasm, writing, "Beautiful. Classy. Well done." Her praise comes after weeks during which she had criticized Trump's foreign policy decisions, including his stance on Iran.
Further details from the renderings reveal a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, along with recreations of Trump's revamped White House ballroom, Rose Garden, and a life-size recreation of Air Force One. A series of golden escalators, designed to resemble those found in Trump Tower, were also visible. The heavy use of gold finishes throughout the complex closely mirrors the aesthetic long associated with the former president.
Project Development and Funding
A webpage for the project, shared on Trump's Truth Social account, cryptically teased that it is "coming soon." The Trump Organization has engaged Bermello Ajamil, a Miami-based engineering and architecture firm, to undertake the development. The library will be constructed on land that previously belonged to Miami Dade College, whose board of trustees voted to gift the 2.63 acres to the state of Florida late last year.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis proposed the transfer of the land to the board of trustees overseeing the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation, a federal agency established after Trump's first term. A public hearing vote in December successfully transferred the land from the state to the foundation. The previous owners had transferred the property to the State of Florida for $10.
Financial Backing and Costs
Trump has secured funding for the presidential library through a series of legal settlements. These include settlements with CBS News and ABC News, each totaling around $16 million, as well as $22 million from a $25 million legal settlement with Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg. The latter settlement followed Trump's suspension from platforms like Facebook after the January 6 Capitol insurrection in 2021. The project's website is also accepting donations, though the total cost remains unclear.
Family members have expressed support for the project, with Trump's daughter Tiffany, 32, writing in her own post, "Great job, Eric Trump, this will be iconic." The main entrance to the building features the nose of Air Force One shimmering behind glass, and Trump's famous golden escalator is one of many situated throughout the enormous structure.
