Washington, D.C. hosted its first IndyCar race on Sunday, with President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump initiating the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. The president, in the presidential limousine known as "The Beast," completed an honorary lap on the street circuit before waving the green flag to officially start the race.
"I’m going to make a little circle in a nice, secure car, slightly slower than the ones we’re going to witness, but we’re going to have fun," Trump said in an interview shortly before the event.
The race, featuring cars reaching speeds close to 200 mph along a route passing by national monuments, is one of several events President Trump has held this year to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Previous celebrations have included a UFC fight at the White House, military aircraft flyovers, and a large fireworks display on the National Mall.
Trump’s participation included a performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by tenor Christopher Macchio and the release of a bald eagle near the start line. Military aircraft, including a B-2 stealth bomber and Air Force One escorted by four fighter jets, also conducted flyovers.
The event was facilitated by IndyCar series owner Roger Penske, a longtime friend of Trump's, who had pursued bringing a race to Washington for two decades. Penske met with Trump, and according to the president, the race was organized within approximately 15 minutes. UFC CEO Dana White was also present.
An executive order signed by Trump earlier this year described the race as an event that would "showcase the majesty of our great city as drivers navigate a track around our iconic national monuments in celebration of America’s 250th birthday."
House Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed interest in making the event an annual tradition.
To prepare the city’s streets for the high-speed competition, over 200 manhole covers were welded shut to prevent them from being dislodged by the race cars. Penske Corporation president Bud Denker stated that Penske is covering the majority of the race costs, including track construction and road improvements, while the District of Columbia managed some repaving.
President Trump has increasingly focused on the ceremonial aspects of the presidency, including appearances at sporting events. This recent event in Washington follows his participation in the World Cup final last month, where he presented the trophy to the winning team.