MEDORA, N.D. — President Donald Trump visited the rugged Badlands of North Dakota on Wednesday to inaugurate the newly constructed Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. The official opening ceremony took place at the Burning Hills Amphitheater in Medora, coinciding with preparations for the nation’s July 4th celebrations honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
A Visit to the Badlands
Trump arrived aboard his new Air Force One, a Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar, and toured the $450 million facility with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. The library explores the life of America’s 26th president, who developed his conservation values in this remote landscape during the 1880s after suffering personal tragedies that led him to Dakota Territory.
“He had a freakin’ wild life,” Trump told an audience at the Western-themed amphitheater. “He didn’t want to be quiet. He wanted to be great.”
Funding and Political Context
During his visit, President Trump announced that his administration would provide $750,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities to support the library’s first year of operations. The project has been a significant initiative for Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who championed its construction while serving as North Dakota’s governor in 2019.
The legislative approval included a $50 million endowment from the state and required planners to raise an additional $100 million privately. As of early 2026, total donations reached approximately $354 million, with contributions from notable figures including oil executive Harold Hamm, the Walton family, hedge fund founder Kenneth Griffin, and Burgum himself.
Historical Connections
Roosevelt first visited Dakota Territory in 1883 to hunt bison. Following the deaths of his mother and wife on Valentine’s Day 1884, he returned to North Dakota to ranch cattle and hunt big game between 1884 and 1887. These experiences profoundly influenced his character; Roosevelt later stated that he never would have become president without his time in the West.
The library is located near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where visitors can explore trails through the Badlands. The facility will house artifacts such as Rough Riders uniforms, diaries from 1884, and items related to a 1912 assassination attempt. Executive Director Robbie Lauf noted that while the museum highlights conservation achievements, it also addresses historical issues that have aged poorly.
Controversies and Criticism
The visit drew mixed reactions regarding policy alignment with Roosevelt’s legacy. The Dakota Resource Council criticized Burgum and Trump for prioritizing energy development on public lands over conservation principles. Conversely, Burgum has previously compared America's natural resources to assets that should be responsibly developed.
