Trump interacts with AI Theodore Roosevelt, calls former president’s life ‘freakin’ wild’

MEDORA, NORTH DAKOTA: President Donald Trump paid tribute to Theodore Roosevelt while opening the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora on Wednesday, July 1, praising the former president's resilience, leadership, and "freakin' wild life."

The visit also featured one of the day's biggest attractions as Trump held a conversation with an AI-powered hologram of Roosevelt inside the museum.

During his hour-long speech, Trump reflected on Roosevelt's journey from a sickly young New Yorker to one of America's most celebrated presidents, frequently drifting from prepared remarks to recount stories from his predecessor's life.

Donald Trump praises Theodore Roosevelt's resilience and remarkable life

Trump described Roosevelt as someone who never stopped pushing himself despite personal tragedy and physical setbacks.

"He never stopped, never quit, and never surrendered in pursuit of his dreams," Trump said.

Calling Roosevelt's story extraordinary, Trump added, "He had a freakin' wild life," before describing how the former president transformed himself from a thin, asthma-plagued young man into a war hero and national leader.

"He didn't want to be quiet, he wanted to be great," Trump said.

Trump also recalled the devastating loss Roosevelt suffered when his wife and mother died within hours of each other in 1884.

"He arrived at this town, narrow-chested, 140 pounds... He was shattered by the death of these two people that he loved the most," Trump said.

"Theodore Roosevelt did not surrender to fate. He came here to Medora and made himself fate's master."

Donald Trump chats with AI version of Theodore Roosevelt

While touring the library, Trump interacted with an AI-powered hologram of Roosevelt, which was developed as part of the museum's exhibits.

The two discussed the Panama Canal, with Trump asking whether it was Roosevelt's proudest achievement.

The AI version responded by listing several accomplishments instead of pointing to just one.

Trump also recorded part of Roosevelt's famous Citizenship in a Republic speech for the library's "In the Arena" exhibit, joining other living presidents who had contributed recordings for the display.

Library opening mixed history with celebration

Trump also praised Roosevelt's efforts to reform government hiring and reduce political favoritism.

"The first public cause he ever supported was a bill to fix the streets in New York City," Trump said before adding, "Merit, isn't that nice to hear?"

He noted that Roosevelt remains the only US president to receive the Medal of Honor and revealed he had loaned Roosevelt's historic medal, which was traditionally displayed in the Roosevelt Room of the West Wing, to the library.

The ceremony ended on a festive note as men dressed as Roosevelt's Rough Riders escorted Trump's motorcade on horseback before later dancing alongside the president to "Y.M.C.A."

Although warm weather prompted some visitors to leave early, Trump remained the only living president to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is scheduled to open to the public on July 4.