Washington DC: US President Donald Trump took centre stage at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, DC, on August 23, as the inaugural IndyCar street race formed part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence.
Trump initially appeared unsure about how to hold the green flag before his wife, Melania Trump, and Command Sgt Maj Matt Williams helped him get it right. He then enthusiastically waved the flag as the Freedom 250 Grand Prix got underway on a temporary 1.7-mile street circuit through the US capital.
The event brought IndyCar racing to Washington’s streets and featured a strongly patriotic atmosphere. Trump greeted drivers, posed for photographs, and spoke to the media about the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, saying Roger Penske, the billionaire owner of the IndyCar series, had spent years trying to bring a race to the capital.
When someone says Trust in Trump pic.twitter.com/lqQE8jbY8O
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 23, 2026
Trump claimed Penske had visited Washington more than 200 times in an effort to make the event happen, adding that the race was approved shortly after he became involved.
Washington undertook extensive preparations to host the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. More than 200 manhole covers around the circuit were welded down to prevent them from being displaced by the powerful IndyCars. The National Gallery of Art also assessed the potential impact of vibrations on its exhibits and protected some outdoor sculptures.
The street circuit passed several major landmarks, including the US Capitol, National Archives, and Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The route prompted additional precautions because of the historic buildings and valuable collections located along the course.
Trump later completed a ceremonial lap of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix circuit in his armoured presidential limousine, known as “The Beast”. The vehicle was decorated with flags and fitted with flashing blue and red lights.
The spectacle also included an appearance by an aircraft gifted by Qatar and used by Trump as Air Force One. The plane flew over the circuit accompanied by four fighter jets.
The programme featured a performance of the US national anthem by Christopher Macchio, while a trained bald eagle was released near the start line and flew overhead before returning to its handler. Military aircraft, including a B-2 stealth bomber, also took part in flyovers.
Air traffic at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport was paused for around three hours to accommodate the aerial displays linked to the event.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum gave the traditional command, “Gentlemen, start your engines!”, signalling the beginning of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix.
The race consisted of 147 laps covering roughly 250 miles (400km) and ended with American driver Kyle Kirkwood taking victory.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix was the latest sporting spectacle to feature Trump prominently, following his appearances at UFC events, the 2026 FIFA World Cup final and the Patriot Games.
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