**Trump Skips Obama Centre Opening, Celebrates at Roosevelt Library Dedication in North Dakota**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Donald-Trump-Theodore-Roosevelt-Presidential-Library-2026-070126-248d37e3f8d24ce9ae80610118a31728.jpg)
Former President Donald Trump was notably absent from the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, where other living ex-presidents were present, including Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Joe Biden, alongside their spouses. This event, which took place on June 18, 2026, marked a significant moment in presidential history, yet Trump’s exclusion from the guest list raised eyebrows.
On July 1, 2026, Trump was in Medora, North Dakota, for the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. His attendance at the library inauguration followed Obama’s event by just over two weeks, and it was confirmed that Trump was not invited to the Chicago opening. Reports indicate his absence was consistent with his longstanding criticisms of his predecessor, Barack Obama, including promoting contentious conspiracy theories regarding the former president and First Lady Michelle Obama.
During his visit to North Dakota, Trump took a tour of the various exhibits housed within the library, which included displays on Roosevelt’s legacy and a speech titled “Man in the Arena.” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Robbie Lauf, Executive Director of the library, accompanied Trump on this educational excursion.
Arriving via the “Freedom250 Train,” a patriotic locomotive designed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, Trump expressed admiration for Roosevelt, stating, “He was a great man and it’s a great place.” He also noted that he was gathering inspiration for his library project, which is currently in the planning stages.
The celebrations in North Dakota are part of a broader event organised under the Freedom 250 banner. This initiative aims to honour key moments and figures in American history, with construction on the Roosevelt library commencing in the summer of 2023. The official opening of the facility is slated for July 4, a notable date for American independence.
While Trump was present at the North Dakota dedication, no former presidents, including Obama, attended the ceremony. However, Trump was joined by his sons, Donald Jr. and Eric Trump, as well as Don Jr.’s wife, Bettina Anderson, on the inaugural flight of a new Air Force One jet provided by Qatar.
In comments made prior to his flight, Trump expressed enthusiasm about attending the dedication, highlighting the unique experience of flying on the new presidential aircraft. He described the journey as exciting, given its unprecedented nature for a sitting president.
Historically, the modern presidential library system began after Theodore Roosevelt’s time, with the first official library established for Herbert Hoover. Both Trump and Biden are currently in the process of developing their respective libraries, aimed at chronicling their legacies.
Edward F. O’Keefe, a former media executive from North Dakota, was appointed as CEO of the Roosevelt library project in 2019. He emphasised that North Dakota plays a pivotal role in Roosevelt’s life story, noting that the former president sought refuge in the state after personal tragedies in 1884. O’Keefe underscored the significance of this location in Roosevelt’s journey of recovery and growth.
Notably, Trump often highlights Roosevelt as one of the more effective US presidents, although his admiration seems tempered by a more favourable view of Roosevelt’s predecessor, William McKinley. Plans for Trump’s own presidential library are reportedly ambitious, with proposals suggesting a large skyscraper in Miami featuring symbolic elements, including a Boeing 747 aircraft gifted by Qatar.
In recent months, Trump has not shied away from criticising Obama’s presidential library, posting derogatory comments and images on social media. He predicted a bleak future for the facility, suggesting it would become a focal point for anti-American sentiment.
Overall, the contrast between Trump’s dedicated event in North Dakota and the celebration of the Obama Presidential Center highlights ongoing divisions in American politics and the complex landscape of former presidential legacies.