President Donald J. Trump to Join Freedom 250 for the Dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
Honoring Theodore Roosevelt’s Enduring Legacy of Leadership, Conservation, and Public Service as America Commemorates 250 Years of Independence
WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald J. Trump will join Freedom 250 and distinguished guests on July 1, 2026, for the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota. Held as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, the historic event will honor the life, legacy, and enduring contributions of President Theodore Roosevelt.
President Donald J. Trump’s participation underscores the significance of this historic moment for both the nation and the Semiquincentennial celebration. As the nation’s 45th and 47th President and the chief executive overseeing America’s 250th anniversary, President Trump will join Americans in honoring Theodore Roosevelt’s extraordinary legacy of leadership, courage, conservation, and national purpose. Roosevelt believed deeply in American greatness and challenged citizens to embrace service, pursue excellence, and take on the work of building a stronger nation. By participating in the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, President Trump will celebrate a leader whose life and accomplishments continue to inspire Americans to dream big, act boldly, and leave the nation stronger for future generations.
Few Americans have left a larger mark on our nation than President Theodore Roosevelt. A rancher, soldier, conservationist, and statesman, Roosevelt embodied the adventurous spirit, rugged determination, and boundless optimism that made America the greatest nation on Earth. And nowhere was that spirit forged more profoundly than in the North Dakota Badlands, the place that Roosevelt said transformed him into the man he became.
“North Dakota transformed Theodore Roosevelt into a leader and conservationist who would leave an enduring mark on America. It’s where a young New Yorker found grit, purpose, perseverance, and crafted a conservation vision that would shape America’s treasured places for generations. The dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library will show how Roosevelt’s passion inspired the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, dramatic expansion of our National Parks and the stewardship of our public lands,” said U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.
“As we celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary, it’s a tremendous honor for our 45th and 47th President to cut the ribbon at the library and National Park honoring the President who led our nation during its 125th anniversary. Americans will experience Roosevelt’s remarkable story at an extraordinary place that pairs his timeless ideals with cutting-edge technology to inspire visitors to get “in the arena” and serve something larger than themselves.”
“Theodore Roosevelt believed America’s greatest work was always still ahead—that we are meant to dream big, dare greatly and take on the work worth doing. President Trump shares that conviction in American greatness, and in the belief that this nation’s finest age is yet to come,” Sec. Burgum continued.
After Roosevelt endured unspeakable tragedy at the age of 25, losing both his wife and his mother on the same day, he fled to the Badlands, desperate for a place to heal. The dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library will celebrate the extraordinary journey of a young man who came west seeking solace and found his calling.
Inspired by the vast landscapes and untamed beauty of the American frontier, Roosevelt became the father of modern conservation, protecting millions of acres of public lands, creating national parks and monuments, and establishing a legacy of stewardship that continues to preserve the natural birthright of every American citizen. Set against the very landscape that transformed his life, this historic celebration will honor Roosevelt's enduring contributions to conservation, public service, American leadership, and the pioneering spirit that remains at the heart of the American story.
"Theodore Roosevelt's life encapsulates the American story: tested by hardship, remade by the frontier, and devoted to a cause larger than himself,” said Freedom 250 CEO Keith Krach. “As America celebrates 250 years of freedom, Freedom 250 is honored to mark the opening of a library that will carry his example to millions. This is exactly the kind of moment our nation’s anniversary is meant to inspire."
The dedication will draw directly from the landscapes, traditions, and experiences that shaped Theodore Roosevelt’s life and legacy. Beginning in Medora, guests will witness a ceremonial Freedom 250 rail arrival that pays tribute to the railroads that opened the American West, connected communities, and fueled the nation’s growth. The arrival will transition into a mounted Rough Riders escort, evoking Roosevelt’s legendary cavalry regiment and creating a dramatic procession to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. Together, these ceremonial elements will honor the courage, service, leadership, and frontier spirit that defined Roosevelt and helped shape the American character.
Set against the rugged backdrop of the North Dakota Badlands, the dedication will celebrate Medora’s unique place in Roosevelt’s story and the profound influence the region had on his life. The landscapes that inspired his conservation vision and forged his resilience will serve as the setting for a tribute to one of America’s most consequential leaders and the enduring values he championed.
As part of Freedom 250’s nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary , the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library dedication will bring together visitors from across the country to celebrate our shared history, reflect on the values that unite us, and honor a president whose life exemplified the spirit of a nation always striving toward new horizons.
When
Tuesday, July 1, 2026. Doors open 8:00 AM MDT/10:00 AM EDT.
Location
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library / Medora, ND
General Admission
For those interested in attending, please register here.
Apply for Media Credentials
Media can apply for credentials HERE no later than 3:00 PM MDT / 5:00 PM EDT on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
Due to space and security protocols, credentials will be limited. Once approved, media will receive a confirmation email with instructions. This email will include details on credential pick-up, media access, parking, security sweeps, and road closures. Credentials are non-transferable.
Additional Information
- A valid email address must be registered with your appropriate media outlet.
- Using an email not associated with your outlet may cause a delay.
- Do not use one email address for your entire media outlet — this may result in inaccurate or denied requests.
Schedule of Signature Events
Freedom 250 signature events include:
FIFA Fan Zone Experience (June 11–July 19, Washington, D.C.) — A celebration of competition, community, and the American spirit on the National Mall. As the world's greatest soccer tournament comes to the United States, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zone Experience will serve as a gathering place for families, fans, and visitors to enjoy live match broadcasts, interactive activities, and great food in the heart of the nation's capital. Set among the monuments and memorials that tell America's story, the experience will showcase the energy, hospitality, and optimism that define our country. As America approaches its 250th birthday, the Fan Zone will offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the excitement of world-class competition.
Great American State Fair Kick-Off Celebration (June 24, Washington, D.C.) — A patriotic opening ceremony launching the Great American State Fair and celebrating America's 250th birthday. Beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Washington, D.C., the event will feature military flyovers, ceremonial presentations, performances by "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own," Armed Forces choirs, and special musical performances by Lee Greenwood and Christopher Macchio. President Donald J. Trump will headline the celebration with remarks officially launching the Great American State Fair and kicking off a nationwide tribute to the people, traditions, history, and spirit that make America the greatest nation on Earth.
Great American State Fair (June 25–July 10, Washington, D.C.) — A world-class exposition and modern-day World's Fair celebrating the people, traditions, innovations, and spirit that make America the greatest nation on Earth. Featuring more than 150 exhibits from all 56 states and territories, businesses, innovators, and civic organizations, the Great American State Fair will showcase the very best of America through state pavilions, industry displays, family-friendly attractions, movie screenings, musical performances, military ensembles, spectacular flyovers, daily cultural programming, and an iconic Ferris wheel on the National Mall.
Daily Programming Themes:
- Thursday, June 25 — The American Canon: Opening Day
- Friday, June 26 — Land & Prosperity
- Saturday, June 27 — The American Canvas
- Sunday, June 28 — Military & Veterans Appreciation Day
- Monday, June 29 — Everyday Health and Well Being | MAHA Monday
- Tuesday, June 30 — Future of America | Innovation, Technology & Progress
- Wednesday, July 1 — Faith, Values, and Inspiration
- Thursday, July 2 — Horsepower of America
- Friday, July 3 — Wings of Freedom
- Saturday, July 4 — Independence Day Celebration
- Sunday, July 5 — Heritage & Legacy
- Monday, July 6 — Longevity, Innovation & the Future of Health | MAHA Monday
- Tuesday, July 7 — Future of America | Education and Opportunity
- Wednesday, July 8 — Family Life and Community Support
- Thursday, July 9 — Engines of Enterprise
- Friday, July 10 — The Next 250 | Innovation
Theodore Roosevelt Library Celebration (July 1, Medora, North Dakota) — A historic event celebrating the enduring legacy of President Theodore Roosevelt, whose time in the North Dakota Badlands helped shape both his character and his vision for the nation. Set against the rugged landscape that inspired one of America's greatest conservationists, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Celebration will honor Roosevelt's commitment to stewardship of the land, public service, American leadership, and the pioneering spirit that defines our nation. The event will highlight Roosevelt's profound impact on conservation, the creation of America's national parks and public lands, and his belief that every generation has a responsibility to preserve the blessings of freedom and opportunity for those who follow.
- More information forthcoming
Mount Rushmore Celebration (July 3, Keystone, South Dakota) — A powerful tribute to 250 years of American independence set beneath one of our nation's most iconic monuments. Against the backdrop of Mount Rushmore, where the faces of four transformative presidents stand as enduring symbols of freedom and self-government, Americans from across the country will gather to celebrate the courage, sacrifice, and vision that built the United States. The event will feature military honors, family-friendly activities, and a spectacular fireworks display illuminating the Black Hills.
- Media RSVP HERE
International Naval Review, International Aerial Review, and Sail4th 250 International Parade of Tall Ships (July 4, New York, NY) — A historic, once-in-a-lifetime gathering of the largest fleet of U.S. and international ships and aircraft in honor of America's 250th birthday. The International Naval Review showcases America's unrivaled maritime superiority, global leadership, and enduring partnerships through the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The celebration will also feature the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world, with vessels representing more than 20 nations creating a breathtaking nautical spectacle across New York Harbor. The parade will highlight the coordination and shared commitment that unite nations across the world's oceans, creating an unforgettable once-in-a-generation event.
Salute to America: A Tribute to America (July 4, Washington, D.C.) — The nation's premier Independence Day celebration and a powerful tribute to 250 years of American freedom, strength, and exceptionalism. Set against the iconic backdrop of the National Mall, Salute to America will bring together citizens from every corner of the country to honor and celebrate the United States. The day will feature the renowned Independence Day Parade, military demonstrations showcasing the courage and capability of America's armed forces, tributes to servicemembers and American heroes, special guest remarks, family-friendly festivities, and patriotic performances celebrating our shared heritage. The celebration will culminate in a record-setting fireworks display illuminating the monuments and memorials of the nation's capital — a breathtaking symbol of the enduring promise of liberty. As America marks its 250th anniversary, Salute to America will stand as a defining celebration of the people, principles, and patriotic spirit that make the United States the greatest nation in the world.
- Media RSVP Closed
- General Public RSVP HERE
These events represent the cornerstone of Freedom 250's mission to deliver unforgettable experiences that honor America's founding, celebrate the achievements of its people, and inspire a renewed commitment to the ideals of liberty, opportunity, and self-government.
Additional details, schedules, and participation opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.
About Freedom 250
Freedom 250 is the national, non-partisan organization leading the celebration of our Nation's 250th birthday. Working together with the White House Task Force 250, federal agencies, and the Commission, Freedom 250 serves as the official public-private partnership that connects, aligns, and amplifies national and local efforts to deliver the defining presidential moments and signature events of this anniversary year.
For more information or to join the movement, visit Freedom250.org.
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