Obama Foundation Rocked By ‘Income Inequality Problem’ as Staffers Push to Unionize: Report

(Screengrab via CBS on YouTube)
The Obama Foundation is grappling with an “income inequality problem” that has pitted its well-paid executives against its pro-union staffers, according to a Saturday report from Fox News Digital.
More than half of its employees pulled in six-figure salaries, according to its 2025 tax filing. That included CEO and former White House senior official Valerie Jarrett, who is banking $771,000 for leading the foundation — up $15,500 from the year prior — and Executive Vice President Robin Cohen, who is making about $666,000.
For comparison, Jarrett and Cohen made more than the CEOs leading five other major presidential foundations, according to a review by Fox News Digital.
“The Reagan Foundation paid its CEO approximately $735,000 and the Carter Center $531,000 for fiscal years ending in 2025, while the George W. Bush Presidential Center paid its top officer $661,000, the George & Barbara Bush Foundation $426,600 and the Clinton Foundation $425,000 for 2024,” the report said.
Saturday’s report comes as employees at President Barack Obama’s organization are pushing to unionize. The workers accused the foundation in a letter sent to foundation execs earlier this month of rolling back benefits at the same time their workloads have been beefed up.
Those workers also pointed to Obama’s 2016 comments where he said he would join a union if he was looking for a “good job” or wanted to address workplace issues. The foundation told Fox News Digital it supported its workers’ push to unionize.
“We are deeply committed to the fundamental right of workers to organize and make their voices heard,” the nonprofit said in a statement. “As members of our staff explore union representation, we approach this process with immense gratitude for their contributions, deep respect for unions, and a sincere commitment to working collaboratively with our partners in labor.”
The foundation also pushed back on the idea its leaders are paid too much; its executives are paid rates “competitive with the market,” according to a statement shared with Fox. The Foundation did not immediately respond to Mediaite’s request for comment.
Overall, the foundation has seen its annual payroll jump from $18.5 million in 2018 to $50.4 million in 2025. The Obama Foundation spearheaded the fundraising and planning for the ex-president’s new library in Chicago, which opened earlier this year.
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