Cramer Praises God’s Master Plan, Divine Healing Power of Badlands at Presidential Library Grand Opening Today

MEDORA, N.D. - U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) recognized God's master plan and the healing power of the Badlands at the ceremony officially opening the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. He joined Roosevelt family members, state and federal officials and hundreds of citizens, capping off a week of activities in this historic Western North Dakota town.

Click here to watch Cramer's remarks

"God put it all here first," said Cramer. "Do you think when he made the Badlands with their healing power, that he knew there would one day be a grieving president who one day might need healing in a place like this? I think he did. And I think he knew a lot of us might."

The ceremony also included an MQ-9 flyover from the North Dakota Air National Guard 119th Wing, known as the Happy Hooligans. Cramer worked with Air Combat Command Commander General Adrian Spain and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to secure authorization for the flyover. The 119th Wing has proudly carried Roosevelt's silhouette on the tails of its aircraft for decades, including the F-16s which helped protect the skies over the U.S. Capitol in the aftermath of the September, 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

On Wednesday, ahead of the opening, Cramer welcomed another populist president to Medora: the nation's 45th and 47th President Donald Trump, who reflected upon Roosevelt's legacy and the beauty of the Badlands. Cramer also spoke with different members of the media about commemorating Roosevelt's contributions to the region.

"I was honored President Trump took the time to remind us of Theodore Roosevelt's legacy and contributions to our nation during the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library," said Cramer. "Thank you to President Trump for visiting North Dakota again!"

While much of the festivities celebrating Roosevelt were in Medora, Cramer stopped by the Dickinson State University's dress rehearsal of Teddy & Alice, a Broadway musical highlighting Roosevelt's relationship with his daughter Alice. The free show runs through July 6.

Photo credit: Dickinson State University

On Thursday, Cramer met with Bank of America President Brian Moynihan, who was in Medora for the opening of the library. The two talked about the strong economy and the goodness of America as reflected in the many good FIFA World Cup stories.

A reception on Thursday evening brought together many people who helped make the library. In an X post, Cramer said he was "grateful for their many contributions."

As senators representing distinct eras of Roosevelt's life, Cramer teamed up with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) for a conversation on Roosevelt's legacy in public service, conservation, and stewardship on Friday morning.

"Theodore Roosevelt came to North Dakota to heal during a very dark point in his life and that same healing power has an impact today on everyone who visits this special place," said Cramer. "As North Dakota Senator and former Tourism Director, I am honored to have played a small role in the creation of this historic library, especially the display of Roosevelt's original diary and the Congressional Medals of Honor awarded to him and his son."

Prior to the museum's opening, Cramer and his family toured the 96,000 square foot library.

"I was honored to help bring this powerful display to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library," Cramer wrote on X. "Roosevelt's actual diary on the original paper in his handwriting depicts the profound grief he endured on the day his first wife and mother passed away."

Throughout his weekend in Medora, Cramer joined national and North Dakota media to discuss Roosevelt, his contribution to the nation, and the library's opening.

Cramer kicked off his time by joining Martha MacCallum live from Medora as they waited for President Trump to take the stage for the library dedication.

"The Medora Musical amphitheater has honored Theodore Roosevelt's legacy for nearly 60 years-making it the perfect place to celebrate both our nation's history and the opening of a library dedicated to one of its greatest conservationists and leaders," said Cramer.

Click here for video

On Wednesday, Cramer joined Bobby Falat from Valley News Live following President Trump's remarks.

"North Dakota is at the heart of what makes America great. It was an honor to celebrate the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in the very landscape that shaped Roosevelt's legacy and continues to heal generations today."

Click here for video

Cramer spoke with Jamie Dickerman from the Red River Farm Network after President Trump's remarks. The two discussed expanding export opportunities for producers and the administration's focus on prioritizing farmers.

After a conversation with POLITICO journalist Jonathan Martin for his "On the Road" series, Cramer wrote on X, "The bison burger was delicious and the conversation for the next episode of On the Road was just as enjoyable with Jonathan Martin, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, and Governor Kelly Armstrong as we celebrate the life and legacy of Theodore Roosevelt and chat about current political topics."