Donald Trump's proposed presidential library in Miami has been described as a gaudy, self-glorifying monstrosity. The 47-storey skyscraper, intended to be built on waterfront land gifted by Miami Dade College, features a giant golden statue of Trump with a raised fist, reminiscent of dictators' monuments. The design, by Miami-based firm Bermello Ajamil, resembles a Vegas hotel themed as a bling aerospace museum, complete with gold escalators, jet fighters, and a replica of Air Force One. Books are notably absent.
The project was unveiled alongside Florida Governor Ron DeSantis renaming Palm Beach International Airport after Trump. Eric Trump, the president's son, called the library 'a lasting testament to an amazing man, an amazing developer, and the greatest president our nation has ever known.' However, Donald Trump himself told reporters, 'I don’t believe in building libraries or museums. It’s going to be most likely a hotel.'
Critics have questioned the project's legitimacy. Thomas Kennedy, former political director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, called it 'a real estate hustle, with land gifted at taxpayer expense, so they can build a hotel complex.' The land transfer from Miami Dade College, valued at over $67m, was challenged in court but upheld. The library's design has been widely mocked, with comparisons to North Korean and Turkmenistani monuments.
Presidential libraries, a tradition started by Franklin D. Roosevelt, are meant to preserve papers and memorabilia. They are privately funded but maintained by the federal government. Trump's proposal, however, appears to prioritise self-glorification over archival function, fitting his career as a developer. The project's future remains uncertain amid legal and financial questions.
