You’re going to have to see it to believe it.
Visitors at the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library witnessed an unusual blend of history and modern technology on Wednesday when President Donald Trump held a brief conversation with an artificial intelligence-powered hologram of former President Theodore Roosevelt.
The interactive display, designed to recreate Roosevelt’s appearance, voice, and communication style, uses advanced AI technology to answer questions based on historical writings, speeches, letters, and other archived documents connected to America’s 26th president.
The demonstration quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of Trump’s visit to the newly completed presidential library in Medora, North Dakota.
During the exchange, Trump asked the digital version of Roosevelt whether he considered the Panama Canal to be his greatest accomplishment.
The AI-generated Roosevelt replied that while helping bring the Panama Canal to life remained one of his proudest achievements, he believed his broader legacy extended much further.
According to the hologram, Roosevelt viewed his conservation efforts, creation of national parks, food and drug safety reforms, and commitment to giving Americans a “Square Deal” as lasting contributions that improved everyday life across the country.
At the same time, the AI acknowledged the historical importance of the Panama Canal, describing it as a project that reshaped global trade and permanently changed international shipping routes.
Trump responded with a brief smile, saying, “OK, you did. Thank you.”
Why the Panama Canal Still Matters
The Panama Canal remains one of the most significant engineering achievements in modern history.
Construction began in 1903 after Theodore Roosevelt strongly supported the project, and the canal officially opened in 1914. By connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the waterway dramatically reduced travel time for commercial and military ships while transforming global commerce.
Control of the canal gradually shifted from the United States to Panama following treaties signed in 1977, with the final transfer completed in 1999.
The canal has once again become part of political discussions in recent years. Early in his second term, President Trump renewed calls for greater American influence over the strategically important shipping route, saying during his inaugural address that the United States should “take it back.”
AI Roosevelt Offers Advice to Trump
The Panama Canal discussion was only one part of the demonstration.
In another interaction later shared by White House aide Margo Martin, the AI version of Theodore Roosevelt offered Trump words of encouragement about the challenges of serving as president.
The hologram noted that every president faces pressures the public rarely sees and encouraged Trump to remain focused, keep his resolve, and continue putting the nation first during difficult moments.
Trump thanked the AI exhibit for what he described as its “fantastic” remarks and said it was an honor to participate in the experience.
The exchange highlighted how artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to create immersive educational exhibits that allow visitors to interact with historical figures in entirely new ways.
Inside the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
Trump toured the approximately $450 million Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library alongside Interior Secretary Doug Burgum during his visit to North Dakota.
The museum combines traditional exhibits with cutting-edge digital experiences designed to help visitors better understand Roosevelt’s presidency, conservation legacy, and impact on American history.
One of the library’s signature attractions is the AI-powered Theodore Roosevelt experience.
The technology was developed through a partnership between Microsoft and AI research company LemonSlice. Microsoft’s Azure Conversational AI platform powers the system’s responses, while LemonSlice created the lifelike digital avatar capable of carrying on natural conversations.
According to the developers, the AI was trained using hundreds of thousands of historical documents, including Roosevelt’s speeches, letters, books, official correspondence, and other archival materials. The goal was to create responses that closely reflect Roosevelt’s documented views and speaking style.
Library Opens During America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration
The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library officially opens to the public on July 4, aligning with celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.
The opening represents one of the country’s newest presidential libraries and showcases how museums are increasingly using artificial intelligence, interactive exhibits, and digital storytelling to bring history to life for modern audiences.
As AI technology continues evolving, experiences like this may become a common feature at museums and historical sites across the United States, allowing visitors to engage with influential historical figures in ways that were previously impossible.
Watch the video below to see President Trump’s conversation with the AI-powered Theodore Roosevelt hologram and hear the historic exchange for yourself.
President Trump asks AI President Roosevelt…“Do you consider the Panama Canal your greatest achievement?” pic.twitter.com/zvfDCL2sKS
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) July 1, 2026
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