President Trump Signs Executive Order for Historic IndyCar Race in Washington D.C.
In a move to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary, President Donald Trump has officially authorised an IndyCar race to be held on the streets of Washington D.C. this summer. The announcement was made during a ceremony in the Oval Office on Friday, where the president signed an executive order to facilitate the event.
Oval Office Gathering with Racing Legend Roger Penske
The signing took place alongside Roger Penske, the celebrated racing figure who chairs the Penske Corporation. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was also present, accompanied by his wife, Fox News host Rachel Campos-Duffy. Secretary Duffy revealed that President Trump had instructed him to devise something "historic and cool" for the America250 celebrations, prompting him to "think outside the box."
Interestingly, Duffy was unaware that Penske's organisation had already been pursuing plans to host a race in the capital. The event is now officially named the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. "But to think, 190 miles per hour down Pennsylvania Avenue, this is going to be wild," Duffy exclaimed, highlighting the anticipated thrill of the high-speed circuit.
Historical Context and Race Details
The Transportation Secretary noted that the last street race in Washington occurred in 1801, during President Thomas Jefferson's administration, featuring horse racing. The modern IndyCar event is scheduled for August 21-23, with the main race taking place on August 23. President Trump expressed enthusiasm, stating, "And they're going to put up something that's really amazing. It's really having to do with our great 250th birthday. We're having so many wonderful things."
Following the announcement, the White House released an AI-generated video depicting the potential spectacle. The simulation showed eagles flying alongside Marine One as President Trump arrives at a racetrack set up outside the U.S. Capitol Building, with the president waving the green flag to start the race. The video included several military flyovers, such as a B-2 bomber, and featured an AI-generated version of Secretary Duffy waving the checkered flag to conclude the grand prix.
Broader America250 Celebrations and Projects
This race is part of a series of unique events and initiatives backed by President Trump for the America250 commemoration. The White House plans to host Ultimate Fighting Championship matches on the South Lawn, coinciding with Trump's 80th birthday on June 14. "UFC is coming, as you know, in front of the White House, we're building literally a stadium over 100,000 people," Trump announced on Friday.
The president shares a close friendship with UFC CEO Dana White, who introduced Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention. Trump has frequently attended UFC events, reinforcing this connection.
Additionally, Trump is overseeing a construction project linked to America250: a "triumphant arch" across the Arlington Memorial Bridge, informally dubbed the "Arc de Trump." This structure, intended as a gateway to Washington D.C., was showcased in three renderings posted by Trump on Truth Social last Friday, including one partially gilded and renamed "the independence arch."
America250 festivities have already commenced across the country. In Washington D.C., these have included a projector show on the Washington Monument and a Monday night fireworks display. The latter caused some concern among residents, as it followed closely after Trump's decision to capture and imprison Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro.
This executive order marks a significant addition to the capital's summer calendar, blending high-octane motorsport with national heritage celebrations in an unprecedented urban setting.
