U.S. President Donald Trump delivered striking messages on domestic and foreign policy during a speech at the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Library in North Dakota. Emphasizing that they will not lose control of the Panama Canal, Trump targeted birthright citizenship and praised economic developments.
Panama Canal emphasis
Trump said the Panama Canal was built by Americans at a great human and financial cost, with 38,000 workers dying from malaria and poisonous snakes. Calling the handover of the canal to Panama for $1 "a great folly," Trump stated it was America's "most costly and most profitable" project in history.
Alleging that China is now trying to control the canal, Trump declared, "We will not allow that under any circumstances. We refuse to lose control of this strategic waterway."
Immigration and border policy
Trump claimed that in just three months they transformed the U.S. border from "the worst to the strongest and best" on immigration and border issues. Harshly criticizing birthright citizenship, Trump argued that this law was originally introduced for children of slaves after the Civil War and was not designed to grant citizenship to children of immigrants from China or other countries.
Economic records
Touching on economic indicators, Trump said the stock market broke 82 new records and retirement funds increased by 40 to 84 percent. He reported that a police officer's pension rose by 84 percent, and his wife Melania Trump therefore called him a "genius."
Trump claimed he inherited "the worst inflation in history" from his predecessor Joe Biden, but that inflation has started to decline, with sharp drops in gasoline and oil prices. Saying they attracted record investments, Trump described the current situation as "the beginning of America's golden age."
Foreign policy and criticism of Spain
Trump said they achieved "astonishing successes" with Iran and Venezuela without providing details. He praised relations with Saudi Arabia as a successful model of strategic partnership.
Criticizing NATO member Spain as "not a good member," Trump referenced the Spanish-American War, recalling that the U.S. retook Cuba, Guam, and the Philippines in the past. Trump said, "Cuba will return to our embrace decades later."
Also touching on the U.S.'s 250th Independence Day to be celebrated on July 4, 2026, Trump said the Supreme Court decision granting the president broad powers "gave America back its power" and that this is important for a president who must make critical decisions.
