Trump Dedicates Theodore Roosevelt Museum, Unveils New Air Force One Ahead of America’s 250th Anniversary

President Donald Trump on Wednesday dedicated the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in North Dakota, celebrating the legacy of the 26th U.S. president while tying Roosevelt’s leadership and patriotism to his own vision for the nation ahead of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

The visit to Medora, located in the rugged Badlands of western North Dakota, highlighted Trump’s renewed focus on patriotic events leading into the Fourth of July holiday. The trip also featured the inaugural appearance of a refurbished Boeing 747 donated by Qatar that will serve as the new Air Force One, along with a ceremonial ride aboard the "Freedom 250" train decorated in red, white, and blue with "1776-2026" branding.

Speaking at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, Trump praised Roosevelt as a symbol of American strength, confidence, and determination. He described Roosevelt as a leader driven by pride in the United States and said he shared that same sense of national pride.

“The biggest word for him was pride,” Trump said. “He was a proud man. But I’m a proud man. I’m proud of our country.”

During his remarks, Trump also criticized Democratic opponents, including democratic socialist candidates who recently secured victories in primary elections across states such as New York and Colorado. He vowed to continue opposing what he described as policies that threaten America’s future, declaring that “we’re not going to let communists get in our way.”

Trump’s arrival at the library was marked by a motorcade accompanied by horseback riders dressed as Roosevelt’s famed “Rough Riders,” the volunteer cavalry regiment that gained national attention during the Spanish-American War in 1898.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library officially opens to the public on Saturday. The 96,000-square-foot facility overlooks Theodore Roosevelt National Park, honoring the years Roosevelt spent in the North Dakota Badlands after the deaths of his wife and mother on the same day in 1884. Historians widely regard that period as instrumental in shaping his conservation philosophy and leadership style.

Before departing Washington, Trump also expressed enthusiasm about flying aboard the newly refurbished Air Force One for the first time. The aircraft features a red, white, dark blue, and gold exterior selected by the president.

The Boeing 747 has attracted attention because it was gifted by Qatar and underwent rapid renovations before entering presidential service. Critics have questioned both the cost of the upgrades and the acceptance of a luxury aircraft from a foreign government. However, Trump dismissed those concerns, arguing that the arrangement saved taxpayers significant money compared with purchasing a new aircraft.

He said the Air Force completed extensive security enhancements and other complex modifications to ensure the aircraft met presidential requirements. Trump added that the previous Air Force One no longer reflected the image he believed the United States should project, saying the refurbished plane now better represents the country.

The North Dakota visit comes as Trump continues to promote national pride and historical commemorations while campaigning ahead of the November midterm elections, with issues such as the cost of living and the Iran conflict remaining key concerns for many American voters.