Washington, July 2: President Donald Trump celebrated the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt during the inauguration of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota, ahead of America’s 250th anniversary. He called for courage, ambition, and national unity.
At the library’s opening and a subsequent public event on Wednesday, Trump described Roosevelt as a leader who embodied the heart, soul, struggle, and spirit of the nation better than anyone else. This occasion marked the formal dedication of the presidential library dedicated to the 26th president of the United States. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum referred to Trump’s presence as a historic moment, noting it was the first time a sitting president had assisted in dedicating a library.
Trump presented the library with Roosevelt’s Congressional Medal of Honor, which was previously displayed in the White House’s Roosevelt Room. He remarked, “Without it, I would feel a bit lonely there, but I thought it was very appropriate to keep it here. This is truly a library, museum, center, and a magnificent tribute.”
Praising Roosevelt, Trump stated that he is one of the historical figures he greatly respects. He said, “Today, we gather to honor that individual in the heart of America who lived and demonstrated our nation’s heart, soul, struggle, and spirit like no other.”
Referencing Roosevelt’s life repeatedly, Trump noted, “Theodore Roosevelt’s life reminds us that Americans never give up. He never learned to stop, give in, or kneel in pursuit of his dreams or the future of America, and neither will we.”
Trump connected Roosevelt’s ideals to his political message as the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year. He emphasized, “As we enter our 250th year, Americans must never forget that we are a historic and courageous people, driven by a bold purpose in this world.”
He added, “Theodore Roosevelt reminds us that to be a great and free nation, we must have courage. As T.R. once said, ‘Freedom is not a gift that can be long held by the hands of cowards.’”
The president noted that Roosevelt rejected “failure, mediocrity, corruption, decline, or decay,” arguing that America should follow the same path. Trump stated, “He bravely fought for what he called ‘new nationalism,’ placing the needs of the country and all its people above party politics, lobbyists, identity politics, and special interests. He understood that true patriotism requires attention to workers, the environment, and the health, culture, and integrity of the nation itself.”
Trump also discussed several current issues, including immigration, economic policy, the Panama Canal, Iran, military recruitment, and what he termed the threat of communism. He announced that the National Endowment for the Humanities would provide $750,000 to the library for its inaugural exhibitions.
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is located in Medora, a town in North Dakota. Roosevelt spent significant years of his life there after personal tragedies in the 1880s. Historians believe that the experiences he gained in the Badlands shaped his views on conservation, public service, and leadership before he became the 26th president of the United States.
The library opens as America prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. This significant occasion has been a central theme of public events under the Trump administration, highlighting the nation’s foundational ideals, historical figures, and national heritage through events held across the country.
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