Outgoing President Joe Biden is struggling to secure funding for his presidential library, a project that has become emblematic of his declining influence and the deepening divisions within the Democratic Party.
Once eager to support the legacy of a sitting president, major political donors are now withholding their contributions, citing a range of grievances. These include Joe's controversial pardon of his son Hunter and concerns over his administration’s handling of his perceived cognitive decline. The result is a fundraising effort in disarray, casting doubt on the 82-year-old's post-presidential ambitions.
The decision to pardon Hunter in December has emerged as a breaking point for many donors. The presidential son, who was convicted earlier that year on federal gun and tax charges, became a focal point of criticism.
Even prominent Democrats like California Sen. Adam Schiff and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis publicly condemning the move. A YouGov poll found that more than half of U.S. adults disapproved of the pardon, and for many donors, it was the final straw after a year of mounting frustrations.