As Reported by HindustanTimes, Former President Donald Trump received a thunderous welcome at the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 race in swing state North Carolina on Sunday, although reactions online were less enthusiastic.
As the presumptive Republican nominee for the upcoming general election, Trump was greeted with roaring applause and chants of “USA” as he made his way to the pit box of Austin Dillon, driver of the No. 3 car. According to JustDail
Attending the NASCAR event at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, Trump became the first president or former president to do so at this venue. Sporting his signature MAGA cap, Trump was seen greeting the crowd and saluting during the opening ceremonies as “Amazing Grace” played.
The event, held over Memorial Day weekend, marked a historic milestone, surpassing Bill Clinton’s attendance at a 1994 speedway event where he did not attend the race.
Trump’s Deputy Director of Communications, Margo Martin, shared a video of his arrival, while Charlotte Motor Speedway’s official Twitter account posted a clip of “Trump Force One” flying over the track. This wasn’t Trump’s first NASCAR event; he previously served as grand marshal for the 62nd Daytona 500 in 2020.
During the event, Trump was seen alongside team owner Richard Childress and saluted during the hymn “Amazing Grace,” a gesture that sparked divided reactions online.
Reactions to Trump’s Salute
Critics and supporters alike took to social media to comment on Trump’s salute during “Amazing Grace”:
- Critics argued the salute was inappropriate and reflected a lack of understanding:
- “A salute is a ‘sign’ of respect, not a status symbol. Anyone who has ever been in the military would know this.”
- “Trump hasn’t earned the right to salute anyone.”
- “He shows up at a NASCAR race to take attention away from the military on Memorial Day weekend. Then incorrectly salutes during ‘Amazing Grace.’ He probably thinks it’s the National Anthem. He is an absolute embarrassment.”
- Supporters defended his actions as a sign of respect:
- “’Amazing Grace’ is often part of traditional Memorial Day events. The hymn is played to honor and remember the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the armed forces. Trump, a former Commander in Chief, is being patriotic.”
- “Amazing Grace is not the national anthem. It’s perfectly acceptable (and honorable) to salute during this beautiful homage.”
Some responses highlighted cultural and procedural misunderstandings:
- “Oh God, please somebody tell him we don’t salute during ‘Amazing Grace.’”
- “How many people in the church have ever saluted or witnessed someone saluting during ‘Amazing Grace’? I grew up in the Catholic church and have never seen it done before.” told Yahoo.com
The debate reflects the broader polarized opinions about Trump, with some viewing his actions as patriotic and others as evidence of ignorance and a lack of respect for military traditions.
