WHAT’S HE BEEN UP TO?
Obama speaks in Montreal
Former U.S. president Barack Obama, who will speak in Montreal on Tuesday, has continued to make headlines since leaving office in January. His speech, organized by the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, is sold out, though some are available on ticket-reselling sites for more than $1,000. Here’s a look at some of what Obama has been up to since President Donald Trump took office.
SUPPORTS PARIS ACCORD
Obama condemned Trump’s announcement that the U.S. will withdraw from the Paris climatechange accord. He issued a statement, which read, in part: “I believe the United States of America should be at the front of the pack. But even in the absence of American leadership; even as this administration joins a small handful of nations that reject the future; I’m confident that our states, cities, and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet we’ve got.”
FIRST SPEECHES
In his first speech since leaving office, Obama in April urged a University of Chicago audience to become civically engaged. He also bemoaned the increasing polarization of American politics. But an upcoming speech has made more headlines, because of his speaking fee and the audience. He will reportedly be paid $400,000 for a talk at a Wall St. gathering in September.
KITE-SURFING
In February, Obama vacationed on Virgin founder Richard Branson’s private island in the British Virgin Islands. Video of the former president kitesurfing caused a sensation online.
HOUSE-BUYING
In late May, Barack and Michelle Obama bought the home they had been renting in Washington, D.C., since they left the White House. They paid $8.1 million for the 8,200-square-foot, eight-bedroom, 9½-bathroom mansion. They plan to remain in Washington while their younger daughter, Sasha, finishes high school.
PLANNING THE OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER
Obama’s announced plans for the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. In a break from tradition, the complex will not include presidential documents and artifacts. Those will be stored in existing National Archives and Records Administration facilities.