Key facts
- President Donald Trump visited Medora, North Dakota, to dedicate the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
- The event marked the debut of a refurbished Boeing 747, serving as Air Force One, gifted by Qatar.
- Trump drew comparisons between himself and Theodore Roosevelt, whom he admired.
- Critics argued Trump's administration's conservation policies contrast with Roosevelt's environmental legacy.
- The National Endowment for the Humanities will award the library $750,000.
President Donald Trump visited Medora, North Dakota, to dedicate the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum, drawing comparisons between himself and the 26th president. The event, described as a "travelling circus," featured Trump's refurbished Boeing 747, which will serve as Air Force One, a whistle-stop train journey, and a performance by the Village People.
Trump delivered a speech praising Roosevelt as a "great he-man" and a "proud man," stating he admired few people. He recalled a conversation with a digitally animated Roosevelt and announced the National Endowment for the Humanities would award the library $750,000.
Critics, however, argued that Trump's administration's conservation policies contradict Roosevelt's legacy of protecting public lands. While Roosevelt preserved 230 million acres and busted 44 trusts, Trump and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum have sought to roll back protections.
The event, which took place against a backdrop of the Badlands landscape, also included reenactors dressed as Roosevelt's "Rough Riders" and familiar figures from Trump rallies, such as MyPillow founder Mike Lindell. Trump's sons, Don Jr and Eric, were also in attendance.