Schiff’s Attack on Trump’s DC IndyCar Race Backfires After Driver Points Out Contradiction
Sen. Adam Schiff criticized President Trump for the IndyCar race in Washington, claiming it wasted taxpayer money. IndyCar driver Graham Rahal and others countered that the event was privately funded by Penske and brought economic benefits to the capital.
Sen. Adam Schiff’s criticism of President Donald Trump over the IndyCar race in Washington, D.C., drew sharp rebukes from racing figures and commentators who noted the event was privately funded, not paid for by taxpayers. Schiff, a California Democrat, posted on X that Trump ordered the race by executive order and used the motorsports “spectacle” to distract Americans from higher costs and policy failures. “While you struggle with the cost of gas, Trump offers you the spectacle of an IndyCar race hoping you will not notice,” Schiff wrote, adding that “more taxpayer money spent on his self-aggrandizing distractions” would lead to higher taxes and costs.
IndyCar driver Graham Rahal responded directly to Schiff, pointing out that the race was privately funded and brought thousands of visitors to the capital. “No, no, Adam. He wanted you to notice and bask in the pride of being American, watch great racing and patriotism on display,” Rahal wrote on X. “Not only that, this was privately funded, not government although it drove thousands of folks to the DC area that have never been. That’s economic impact for you.” Rahal, who finished 13th in the event, also noted that the race attracted fans from across the country and around the world, many of whom experienced the nation’s capital for the first time.
Penske Corporation, the automotive and logistics company led by Roger Penske, covered most of the race’s costs. When Washington’s NBC affiliate asked Penske President Bud Denker who was paying for the Freedom 250, Denker replied, “We are.” He added that the company was raising some revenue through sponsors and suites built along the course, but the event was not intended to be a break-even venture. However, Penske did not cover every expense; security was handled by local and federal law enforcement, with federal funding provided to Washington for major events, according to the NBC station.
The White House also fired back at Schiff. Spokesman Davis Ingle called the criticism “a complete disgrace” and accused Schiff of trashing the United States during its 250th birthday celebrations because of his hatred for Trump. “The great people of California deserve better,” Ingle said. Former electronics executive Sam Antar responded that Schiff “apparently didn’t bother checking who actually paid for the race before blaming Trump for ‘more taxpayer money spent.’” Conservative commentator “Bad Hombre” posted an image of former President Joe Biden with transgender and LGBT activists at a White House event, questioning why Schiff was not critical of that taxpayer-funded gathering.
Trump has shown support for American motorsports, including attending the Daytona 500, becoming the first president since Ronald Reagan to do so, and hosting NASCAR drivers and former CEO Brian France at campaign rallies. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix was a first-of-its-kind IndyCar street race in Washington, part of the America 250 celebration. Kyle Kirkwood won the event, which drew large crowds and global attention.
