Cramer, Gillibrand Discuss Roosevelt’s Legacy in Government at TRPL Fireside Chat

MEDORA, N.D. - As part of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL) grand opening celebration, U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) participated in a fireside chat today in the library's auditorium. The auditorium's panoramic views overlooking the national park named in Teddy Roosevelt's honor was a fitting backdrop to the senators' conversation on Roosevelt's legacy in government, conservation, and the principle of multiple use. Cramer and Gillibrand have served together in the Senate since 2019 and work closely together as members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Together, Cramer and Gillibrand represent states that deeply shaped Roosevelt, who was born and spent the majority of his career in New York while also ranching in the North Dakota Badlands. While Roosevelt cut his teeth in the New York State Assembly and later served as the state's governor, he would famously remark, "I have always said I would not have been President had it not been for my experience in North Dakota."

Cramer and Gillibrand discussed Roosevelt's legacy in government, one characterized by decisive leadership and populism. The conversation focused on restoring trust in government institutions, following Roosevelt's example. They discussed how as president, Roosevelt focused on earning the public's trust by reflecting the will of the people.

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"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."

Ahead of the official opening of the library Saturday, Cramer announced an addition to the agenda: the first known flyover of an MQ-9 Reaper. The Department of War had abruptly cancelled the flyover, but Cramer worked with Air Combat Command Commander General Adrian Spain and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to ensure the Reaper, operated by Fargo's own Happy Hooligans-would be in the skies above Medora. Prior to the discussion with Senator Gillibrand, Cramer spent the week in Medora, which he visited countless times as the state's Tourism Director and spoke with people about President Roosevelt's history in the region-which was spurred by the tragic death of his mother and his wife on the same day. Seeking solace, he traveled to Medora after writing in his diary a single large X, followed by the line, "The light has gone out of my life."Visitors can view that very page thanks to Cramer's work to secure the display of artifacts from various locations around the country. Cramer's efforts to secure artifacts also ensured visitors can see both the Congressional Medal of Honor awarded to President Roosevelt and the one awarded to his son, Theodore Roosevelt Jr. on display together, a unique memorial to a unique president. The library itself is located upon land transferred through the efforts of Cramer and the North Dakota Congressional delegation.

Cramer also welcomed another famously independent, populist president to the small town, our nation's 45th and 47th President Donald Trump, who reflected upon Roosevelt's legacy and the beauty of the Badlands at the dedication ceremony. On Wednesday, Cramer had breakfast with President Trump after the President's arrival by train.