Trump Honors Theodore Roosevelt at Library Dedication
On July 1, 2026, President Donald Trump attended the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota. After a tour of the library, he spoke at a ceremony commemorating the 26th Century.
In his address, Trump declared Roosevelt to be a figure who “embodies the heart and soul, the fight and the spirit of our country.” He made a light-hearted comment about not respecting many people, expressing his admiration for Roosevelt.
Arriving on the new Air Force One, Trump then boarded the “Freedom 250 Train” to Medora, where he was welcomed by a reenactment group of Roosevelt’s Rough Riders. He highlighted the importance of the project, praising Interior Secretary Doug Burgum for his leadership in raising funds for the library.
Trump mentioned that during his first term, he signed a bill allowing the U.S. Forest Service to sell 90.3 acres in Medora, which was the site of the library. He quipped about how the government likely didn’t realize the land was gone, adding a humorous touch about knowing more about the museum than its builders.
He emphasized the significance of the Panama Canal, referring to it as one of Roosevelt’s most remarkable endeavors, despite the tragedy of the lives lost during its construction. Trump criticized former President Jimmy Carter’s decision to give control of the canal to Panama, emphasizing its value to the U.S.
“It’s the most expensive thing we’ve ever built, but it’s also the most profitable,” he remarked, drawing a parallel to his efforts in Venezuela.
During his speech, Trump also raised concerns about China allegedly trying to take control of the Panama Canal and expressed his determination to prevent that. He shifted the focus to the upcoming 250th anniversary of America, reflecting on the importance of independence.
“This week, we look back on 250 years of glorious freedom,” he stated, adding with a chuckle that on Independence Day, he would give a lengthy speech despite expected sweltering heat.
He shared five lessons inspired by Roosevelt’s life. The first focused on determination, citing Roosevelt’s perseverance when he continued his campaign in 1912, even after being shot. He drew a parallel to his own journey, mentioning his childhood asthma.
“He was told by his doctors he had to live a quiet life…and he did the exact opposite,” Trump noted.
Regarding Roosevelt’s tenacity, Trump quoted Mark Twain about the joys of loving one’s work. He tied this back to his own enjoyment of making America great again.
Serving as a tribute to Roosevelt, Trump touched on themes of courage with anecdotes of Roosevelt’s adventures, including his encounters with grizzly bears. Ironically, a nickname stemming from these encounters, “Teddy Bear,” became associated with him but was a painful reminder for Roosevelt after the loss of his first wife.
“Freedom is no lasting gift in the hands of cowards,” Trump recalled, referencing Roosevelt’s resolute spirit.
Trump continued to discuss Roosevelt’s refusal to accept failure and mediocrity, urging Americans to stand firm against such ideals. He pointed out Roosevelt’s fierce opposition to communism, sharing Roosevelt’s views that aligned with his own concerns about today’s world.
“He said, ‘The doctrine of communist socialism, if consistently observed, would mean the ultimate extinction of civilization,’” he stated, highlighting the continued relevance of those thoughts.
In closing, Trump reiterated Roosevelt’s belief that all Americans, regardless of background, should unite under one flag. It was a thoughtful nod to shared national identity.
