Trump dedicates Roosevelt museum, debuts Qatari-gifted Air Force One

Donald Trump dedicated a museum honoring Theodore Roosevelt in remote western North Dakota, drawing parallels between the 26th U.S. president's legacy and his own vision for America. The event, held ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary, also marked the debut of a refurbished Boeing 747 gifted by Qatar, which will serve as the new Air Force One.

The trip to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora saw Trump praise Roosevelt's "energy and adventurous life" while criticizing political opponents. He invoked Roosevelt's "pride" in America, stating, "I'm proud of our country." Trump also took aim at Democrats, including "democratic socialists," calling them "a very unattractive lot."

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The biggest word I think for him was pride. He was a proud man. But I'm a proud man. I'm proud of our country.

Trump's motorcade to the library was accompanied by horseback riders dressed as Roosevelt's "Rough Riders." Roosevelt, a Republican president from 1901 to 1909, was known for his conservationism and expansionist policies. Trump has often expressed admiration for Roosevelt, who spent time grieving and healing in the North Dakota Badlands after personal tragedy.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, set to open Saturday, is a 96,000-square-foot facility overlooking a national park named for the former president. The dedication comes as Americans remain divided over Trump's leadership, with voter concerns about the cost of living and the Iran war looming ahead of the November midterm elections.

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We're not going to let communists get in our way. It's a very unattractive lot.