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Ex-presidents gather in Chicago for Obama Presidential Center opening

Obama Presidential Centre officially opened in Chicago on Thursday, with all living former U.S. presidents present except Donald Trump. In his speech, Barack Obama highlighted the importance of unity, noting that most Americans desire healing over division.

BRIC Team
BRIC Team
Jun 19, 2026 · 1 min read
Ex-presidents gather in Chicago for Obama Presidential Center opening

Key Takeaways

  • The Obama Presidential Centre opened in Chicago on Thursday, attended by all living former U.S. presidents except Donald Trump.
  • Barack Obama, 64, emphasized unity, stating an 'overwhelming majority' of Americans desire healing over conflict.
  • In his speech, Obama invoked the protest slogan 'no kings' to resonate with concerns about democracy.
  • The modernistic centre will open to the public on Friday, showcasing memorabilia from Obama's two terms.
  • The absence of Trump at the event underscores the ongoing tensions within American politics.

Thursday saw the Obama Presidential Centre officially open in Chicago,drawing every living former U.S. president except Donald Trump. Star-studded crowd present . Barack Obama, the nation’s first Black president,delivered upbeat speech on American democracy's current state.

Obama, 64, acknowledged widespread worries over democracy's threats in U.S. He connected with crowd by invoking “no kings,” a protest slogan against Trump. Former president stressed unity,saying a majority of Americans want healing,not conflict. “People aren’t looking for perpetual anger and division,” he said. “They are looking for fairness and common sense and mutual respect.”

The sleek centre,housing Obama’s two-term records and memorabilia, opens to public Friday. Nation struggles with political polarization,the centre stands as testament to a presidency aiming to bridge divides. Trump's absence at event highlighted ongoing tensions…

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