Celebrating American Greatness with American Motor Racing
This Presidential Action establishes the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, an INDYCAR street race to be held in Washington, D.C., near the National Mall, in celebration of America's 250th birthday.
The directive mandates that the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation quickly designate a suitable route, expedite all required permits and approvals—potentially classifying the event as a 'special event'—and coordinate road maintenance.
Furthermore, the Secretaries are tasked with facilitating appropriate aerial photography while ensuring government facility security, with all associated publication costs assigned to the Department of the Interior.
Arguments For
National Celebration and Tourism: The order leverages the popular American motorsport (INDYCAR racing) to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday, promoting national pride and potentially boosting tourism in Washington, D.C., by hosting a major, unique sporting event near national monuments.
Interagency Efficiency: It mandates swift action from the Department of the Interior and the Department of Transportation to designate routes and expedite necessary permits, aiming for efficient planning and execution of the 'special event.'
Technological Integration: The order directs the FAA to facilitate the use of unmanned aircraft systems for authorized aerial photography, enhancing public viewership and documenting the capital's beauty during the event.
Showcasing National Symbols: By planning the race route around iconic national monuments, the action uses the event as a platform to showcase the historical and architectural majesty of the nation's capital.
Arguments Against
Disruption and Security Concerns: Hosting a high-speed motor race near the National Mall will inevitably cause significant disruption to public access, traffic, and the solemnity of the area, requiring extensive security measures.
Resource Allocation and Costs: Directing the Secretary of Transportation to use 'available funds' to facilitate the race, and stipulating that the Department of the Interior must bear the costs of publication, raises questions about the proper allocation of federal taxpayer resources for a private sporting event.
Regulatory Expedience vs. Standard Procedure: The directive for the Secretary of the Interior to potentially invoke a temporary rule treating the race as a 'special event' suggests bypassing standard permitting or environmental review processes, which could invite legal or procedural challenges.
Facility Protection: While seeking to allow aerial photography, the order necessitates measures to ensure the activity does not 'compromise nearby Government facilities,' indicating inherent security planning challenges associated with drone use over sensitive federal areas.
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:
This opening statement invokes the President's constitutional and statutory authority to issue a legally binding directive, which is formally titled as an Executive Order.
Section 1. Purpose and Policy. For over 100 years, American INDYCAR racing has set the pace for motor sports. With speeds topping over 200 miles per hour, the cars and drivers inspire awe and respect in all who watch this quintessentially American sport. It has given us racing legends such as A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti, and continues to thrill every Memorial Day weekend when people travel from across the globe to the Indianapolis 500, the largest single-day sporting event in the world.
INDYCAR racing is a source of pride and entertainment for our Nation, which is why I am pleased to announce the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C. 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 first section establishes the rationale and purpose for the order, focusing on the history and cultural significance of American INDYCAR racing.
The action officially announces the creation of the 'Freedom 250 Grand Prix' in Washington, D.C., intended to celebrate the country's 250th birthday by hosting a race around the National Mall's monuments.
Sec. 2. Designating the Race Route. Within 14 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation shall designate a route through Washington, D.C., that is suitable for conducting an INDYCAR street race and that will showcase the majesty of our capital city in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America's independence.
This section sets a firm deadline of 14 days for the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation to collaboratively select a specific racing route within Washington, D.C. The chosen route must accommodate the race and fulfill the goal of highlighting the capital's grandeur for the anniversary celebration.
Sec. 3. Permits and Approvals. The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation shall take steps to ensure that all permits, approvals, and other authorizations as are necessary to plan, prepare for, and conduct the Freedom 250 Grand Prix are issued and granted as expeditiously as possible. Such steps may include the Secretary of the Interior considering the Freedom 250 Grand Prix to be a “special event” under 36 C.F.R. 7.96(g), as amended by 90 Fed. Reg. 25498 (temporary rule re: National Capital Region; America250 Events), if the Secretary of the Interior deems it necessary and appropriate. The Secretary of Transportation shall use available funds to help facilitate the presentation of the race, consistent with applicable law and as deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Transportation, and, working with and through the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, take steps to ensure that unmanned aircraft systems and other means of aerial photography may be utilized by appropriately permitted individuals to enhance the public’s enjoyment of the race and to celebrate the beauty of the Nation’s capital without compromising nearby Government facilities. The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation, in coordination with the Mayor of Washington, D.C., as needed, shall ensure that any roads, trails, or bridges to be used as part of the race course are properly maintained and capable of being used in such a manner.
This section mandates the swift processing of all necessary permits by the Secretaries of the Interior and Transportation.
The Interior Secretary has the discretion to categorize the event as a 'special event' utilizing specific temporary federal regulations to accelerate approvals.
The Transportation Secretary must use available funds to support the event, coordinate with the FAA to permit drone photography for public enjoyment, and ensure all infrastructure like roads and bridges are fit for the race course.
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of the Interior.
This final section outlines standard legal limitations for an Executive Order.
It clarifies that the order does not limit the statutory authority of other executive departments or the OMB's budgetary responsibilities.
Implementation must follow current law and rely on funding that is actually available.
Importantly, the order explicitly states it creates no new enforceable legal rights for any outside party.
Finally, it assigns the Department of the Interior the responsibility for paying the costs associated with publishing the order.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
January 30, 2026.
This concludes the document by identifying the President issuing the order, Donald J. Trump, and specifies the date of issuance as January 30, 2026.
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