By Theodore Bunker | Friday, 03 July 2026 12:14 PM EDT
Senator John Hoeven (R-N.D.) said President Donald Trump’s visit this week to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and his planned appearance Friday at Mount Rushmore underscore the nation’s yearlong America250 celebration and the significance of the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Speaking Friday on Newsmax’s “Wake Up America,” Hoeven described Trump’s Wednesday visit to the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library near Medora, North Dakota, as an enthusiastic kickoff to the semiquincentennial observance, which culminates in nationwide Independence Day events.
“Fantastic. We had a great day with him on Wednesday,” Hoeven said. “I met him in Bismarck. We helicoptered out here and then toured the library. Sneak peek of this great library.”
Hoeven said Trump spent considerable time exploring the museum’s interactive exhibits centered on the nation’s 26th president.
“He was just fascinated. It’s AI, it’s interactive,” Hoeven added. “He talked to Teddy Roosevelt, and we just had a great time.”
Hoeven noted that thousands attended Trump’s remarks at the library’s outdoor amphitheater.
“And then of course, he addressed well over 3,000 people in the amphitheater where they do the musical,” Hoeven said. “But he just had a great time and people loved it.”
Trump’s visit came as the America250 Commission and federal, state, and local organizations continue commemorating the nation’s 250th birthday with events across the country. Friday’s Independence Day celebration at Mount Rushmore was scheduled to feature military flyovers, fireworks, and presidential remarks at one of the country’s best-known national monuments.
Hoeven said Mount Rushmore provides an appropriate backdrop for marking the milestone anniversary.
“It’s just so fitting on our 250th birthday,” Hoeven stated. “Matter of fact, Senator John Thune called me yesterday morning. He was pumped about the president coming out there.”
While Americans celebrate Independence Day every year, Hoeven said the nation’s 250th anniversary carries added significance.
“The Fourth of July is always special,” he said. “We celebrate our birthday every year, but this is the 250th. And we are the most powerful. We’re the greatest nation in the world.”
Hoeven emphasized that the anniversary should honor not only the nation’s presidents but Americans from all walks of life.
“It’s celebrating all the people—not just these presidents, but all the great Americans who have worked so hard to make our country what it is today,” he added. “It reminds us that we all have to keep our shoulder to the wheel and continue making sure that our country remains the beacon of freedom and liberty in the world.”
When asked about criticism from some media outlets portraying the anniversary events as politically motivated, Hoeven dismissed those concerns.
“Right on. Anyone who wants to criticize needs to come out and talk to the people here in America who are loving the fact that the president is coming out,” he said. “They were just so excited, having so much fun. It’ll be the same thing at Mount Rushmore this evening.”
Hoeven also drew comparisons between Trump and Theodore Roosevelt, saying both leaders shared similar backgrounds and leadership styles.
“It’s remarkable how many similarities there are between Teddy Roosevelt and President Trump,” Hoeven said. “Both come from New York. Both came from affluent families but very much identified with the working man, farmers, and ranchers. That’s how Teddy Roosevelt got out here—he came to ranch.”
He concluded by praising Trump’s leadership and encouraging skeptics to witness the celebrations firsthand.
“There’s a lot of similarities,” he said. “Strong, bold leadership. Any critics need to come out and see how much Americans across this country appreciate it.”
