As part of the ongoing celebration of the United States of America’s 250th birthday, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix took place on the streets of Washington, DC. The race utilized a 1.7-mile street circuit and incorporated part of Pennsylvania Avenue, taking racers past iconic Washington landmarks, including the US Capitol Building.
“President Trump is ensuring America gets the spectacular birthday it deserves as we celebrate our 250th anniversary,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle said leading up to the event. “The historic IndyCar race set to take place in our Nation’s Capital will be one of the greatest and most iconic races in history.”
As part of the festivities, the green flag, which signals that the track is clear and the race is set to get underway, was delivered to President Donald Trump ahead of the race. Unfortunately, Trump had quite the gaffe on live television.
While standing next to Colonel Paris Davis and Command Sergeant Major Matt Williams, the President had to be shown by Williams how to properly hold the flag.
The green flag is delivered to President Donald Trump before the Freedom 250. @realDonaldTrump | @POTUS pic.twitter.com/XYyjeVKzX9
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) August 23, 2026
“Seems like a red flag”
After the moment, the contentious President heard it from a lot of his constituents on social media.
“Everything he does is so f*cking awkward… what a loser,” one fan posted on X.
“Not knowing which end of the green flag to hold seems like a red flag,” another person added.
“Fat, decrepit old man can’t hold a flag and walk up some stairs? good grief. we gotta stop electing people older than color TV,” someone else wrote.
“The idiot can’t even figure out which end to hold. Truly amazing. Hint: It’s the end with the wooden stick,” one person posted.
The President will certainly want a do-over. While that won’t be happening, hopefully now he is free to return his focus to improving the lives of Americans amid skyrocketing costs.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.