Washington D.C. is all set to be revamped by August 2026 as a race track covering the city's monuments will be created for the upcoming 250th anniversary of America. In a newly signed executive order on Friday, President Trump announced an IndyCar Grand Prix race titled 'Freedom 250 Grand Prix' which will include a motor race held for the first time in the nation's capital.
“This race, the first motor race ever to be held in our Nation’s capital near the National Mall, will showcase the majesty of our great city as drivers navigate a track around our iconic national monuments in celebration of America’s 250th birthday,” the executive order reads.
Trump's ‘Freedom 250 Grand Prix’
The route of the esteemed race is yet to be determined, said the order. The event will be held from August 21-23 as per a news release from the Department of Transportation.
The order demanded that within two weeks, Doug Burgum and Sean P. Duffy, Secretaries of the Interior and Transportation, respectively should determine a suitable route through the nation's capital. Additionally, the government may need to take steps to ensure that drones and other forms of aerial photography can be used around the events without compromising government facilities nearby. According to Mayor Muriel E. Bowser, the event "could attract a lot of visitors to the District."
“Like the sport of racing itself, this administration, under President Donald J. Trump, is moving at record speed to make life better for all Americans and ensure that the United States marks its 250th birthday with the celebration that it deserves,” added IndyCar owner Roger Penske.
Netizens react to Trump's ‘Freedom 250 Grand Prix’
Considering the ongoing unrest among civilians in America due to the ICE brutalities and the fatal shooting of two Minneapolis citizens, the arrival of an order announcing celebration planning has not gone well with netizens.
"With everything going on in this country rn do they really think it’s a good idea to have a race in the capital" asked one on X.
"I wonder how many protesters will be blocking the course?" another person questioned.
"Ya know- I remember when they did this in Phoenix and it was cool… but it sort of feels like a waste of money? Imagine the security expenses and road work alone!" added another.
"To distract the population, Ancient Rome relied on corn votes and games, lots of games," one pointed out.
Trump's plans for America's 250th
The centrepiece of the upcoming celebrations on July 4th, 2026, will be the 'Triumphal Arch' being built on the other end of a bridge leading to Arlington National Ceremony.
Along with this, the Trump administration has also organised a UFC match at the White House on June 14th, whose contenders are being picked by UFC President Dana White. The event coincides with Flag Day and the president's 80th birthday.
The President also launched a new organisation, 'Freedom 250', which would work with states, companies and organisations across the country for the events being organised.
The schedule includes what Trump has called the "Patriot Games" a four-day athletic competition for high schoolers from each state. Also expected, is a "Spirit of America" parade on Memorial Day, a Great American State Fair held on the National Mall and a national prayer event as well.
