Newly obtained tax filings reveal that the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation is preparing an unprecedented $1 billion fundraising operation to build a landmark skyscraper-library in the heart of Miami — a project set to dwarf every previous presidential library effort in U.S. history.
According to IRS filings reviewed by The Florida Pundit, the foundation expects to secure:
- $50 million in 2025
- $300 million in 2026
- $600 million in 2027
for a total of nearly $1 billion in tax-exempt donations.
For comparison, the Obama Presidential Library raised only a fraction of that amount in its early years — roughly 1/50 of Trump’s projected haul.
Media giants paying millions after court settlements
One of the most unusual details buried in the filing: much of the 2025 funding comes from settlement agreements with major media corporations, including ABC, Paramount, and Meta — companies that have spent years attacking Trump publicly.
Now, those same outlets are writing multimillion-dollar settlement checks that will help fund a library dedicated to preserving Trump’s presidency, leadership, and historical impact.
IRS fast-tracked Trump’s application during a government shutdown
The foundation requested an expedited IRS review, arguing that settlement funds were frozen until nonprofit status was granted.
Despite the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history, the IRS approved the application in 10 days — a near-impossible speed compared to the typical 4–6 months most groups wait.
Miami site emerging as the centerpiece
The foundation plans to build the Trump library complex on prime land adjacent to Miami Dade College’s Freedom Tower, after state officials and the college board voted to transfer the property at no cost.
The foundation’s timeline includes:
- land acquisition & site preparation
- architectural design and engineering
- multi-year construction
- archival collection & cataloging
- phased public openings with exhibits and research access
The project also includes a gift shop and a scholarship program for students studying history, political science, public service, or library sciences.
Spending breakdown: millions already moving
Filings show $6.8 million in expenditures so far this year:
- $130,000 for fundraising operations
- $400,000 in payments to directors and trustees, including Eric Trump and Michael Boulos
- $490,000 in professional fees
For 2025, the projections include:
- $3 million for architecture & engineering
- $2 million in construction costs
- $500,000 in design
- $250,000 in site evaluation & planning
