Former US President Donald Trump, poised as the presumptive Republican nominee for the upcoming general election, received a resounding welcome at NASCAR’s Coca Cola 600 event on Sunday. Amidst thunderous applause and chants of ‘USA’, Trump made his way to the pit box of the No. 3 car, Austin Dillon’s domain.
Margo Martin, Trump’s Deputy Director of Communications, shared a video capturing the ex-president’s arrival at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, the venue for the Coca-Cola 600. The footage showcases Trump donning his signature MAGA cap, engaging with the crowd on the Sunday afternoon of the Memorial Day weekend.
President @realDonaldTrump arrives at Charlotte Motor Speedway! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/aoHAewRPyv
— Margo Martin (@margommartin) May 26, 2024
The official X/Twitter feed of the Charlotte Motor Speedway also posted a video of Trump Force One, his plane, soaring over the track.
Special flyover from Trump Force One. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/rDS710cMBT
— Charlotte Motor Speedway (@CLTMotorSpdwy) May 26, 2024
Media outlets highlighted Trump’s attendance at the NASCAR event as a historic moment, marking the first instance of a sitting or former President being present at a race in the venue. Despite former President Bill Clinton’s appearance at the 1994 Ford Mustang 30th-anniversary event at the speedway, he did not attend the race.
This wasn’t Trump’s inaugural NASCAR experience, as he had previously served as grand marshall for the 62nd Daytona 500 race in 2020.
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During the annual Memorial Day weekend NASCAR Cup Series event, Trump was spotted alongside team owner Richard Childress. His salute during the opening ceremonies to the tune of the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ garnered mixed reactions on the internet. While some viewed it as a respectful tribute to fallen soldiers, others criticized it as inappropriate.
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) weighs in on civilian salutes, stating that while it can be perceived as a mark of respect or a breach of military protocol, it’s not a common practice among civilians. The UCMJ advises alternatives such as a nod or placing a hand over the heart to convey respect.
Trump’s appearance at the Coca-Cola 600 followed the conclusion of the North Carolina Republican Party Convention in Greensboro. Although absent in person, Trump addressed the convention via a phone call on Friday. Concurrently, his hush money trial is nearing conclusion, with final arguments set to commence on Tuesday.
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