Trump Kicks Off Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C.
President Donald Trump today participated in the ceremonial start of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, the first-ever IndyCar street race in Washington, D.C. The event is part of the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump took a ceremonial lap in the presidential limousine, known as The Beast, before waving the green flag to officially start the race.
The race, held on August 23, 2026, features a 1.7-mile circuit with seven turns, taking drivers past iconic landmarks such as the National Mall, the Capitol, and the Washington Monument. Drivers reached speeds of up to 185 mph, significantly exceeding the usual 25 mph speed limit on Pennsylvania Avenue.
To facilitate the race, the Federal Aviation Administration temporarily closed airspace over Reagan National Airport, and extensive preparations included welding down over 220 manhole covers and erecting 1,800 barriers around the course. This event concludes a summer of semiquincentennial celebrations, including a UFC event at the White House and a grand fireworks display on the Fourth of July.