Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended the Trump-organized Freedom 250 Grand Prix, an IndyCar street race on Washington D.C.'s National Mall that has generated resident complaints about travel disruptions. Duffy noted the sale of beer on the Mall, stating "I think this is better ... they can sell beer. This is the first time they're going to sell beer on the mall of the capital," though records indicate beer has been sold there previously.
The 1.7-mile circuit saw drivers reach speeds of up to 180 miles per hour past landmarks and museums. The event led to flight suspensions in the hours before the main race and extensive road closures and parking restrictions for local drivers. One resident commuting from Baltimore to D.C. reported his hour-long trip doubled in length on Friday.
President Trump signed an executive order in January that advanced the race and promoted it, calling it an event that "will be like no other race ever." Like other events organized by a nonprofit, including a reality show and a UFC fight, the IndyCar event is framed as a celebration of America's 250th birthday.
The race attracted sponsorships from companies that do business with the federal government, prompting ethics concerns due to the proximity of "Trump world" figures to the event. Preservationists also voiced concerns, with one advocating for measures to protect murals inside the Cohen Federal Building from potential damage.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum addressed concerns about the race track's manhole covers, assuring they were "welded down." Both Burgum and House Speaker Mike Johnson have expressed interest in making the grand prix an annual event. Burgum claimed that "everyone in D.C. 'loves' the idea."