Remarks #2 transcript, Jul 1, 2026 (Donald Trump)

There are a lot of people in this room that are, as we call them, Ted-heads—people that know a lot of stuff about the history of Theodore Roosevelt.

You may know that Theodore Roosevelt himself and his son, Theodore Roosevelt Jr., are both Medal of Honor winners—one of only two pairs in our history. Their Medal of Honors have never been together, but because of the generosity and support of President Trump, he bings [brings; White House correction] with him today—right?—this is Theodore Roosevelt's actual Medal of Honor, presenting it to the museum.

Well, thank you very much. That was in the Roosevelt Room for many, many years. And when I heard about this, I said, "Maybe we'll think about it." Then I saw what you did and what a magnificent library you built. It's really a library, it's a museum, it's a center, and it's a great tribute.

And I said, "Let's take it from the Roosevelt Room," which is a very important room in the White House. I use it all the time. I'll be a little bit lonely in there without it. [ Laughter ] But I thought this would be a very—really an appropriate place to have it. And, you know, it's very special. You're a very special man. There are very few people that have them.

You know, I want to give one to myself, but they tell me I'm allowed to. My son over here, my—both of them. I said: "Fellas, I'd love to give one of them to me. What have I done that where I deserve it?" And they couldn't think of anything—[ laughter ]—so I'm not happy with them today. [ Laughter ]

No, there's no higher award. That's the congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award we have.

You have the Presidential Medal of Freedom. That's more of the civilian nature. But those two—but, in particular, that, because what you have to go through is very rough.

So it's an honor to be with you. Congratulations.

And it's an honor to be with my friend Doug, who's a spectacular Secretary of the Interior, to put it mildly. There's never been anyone better.

So I know you're all here looking forward to what will be a significant Presidential address down at the amphitheater. But before you go, we have one last thing.

President Trump being here on this day of dedicating this library, it's a—it is a historic moment to have a sitting President here to help do that. We're ceremoniously—the President and I—going to cut the ribbon, and then we'll all see you down at the amphitheater after that.

But, President, let's grab a sitters—scissors.

They did say no running with these. We'll be—[ laughter ]. We'll look up first, and give a smile first.

Well, we need audience participation. You guys count down from 10. How about that?

Ten. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six. Five. Four. Three. Two. One.

Thank you all. We'll see you down at the amphitheater. Let's go, North Dakota.