President Donald Trump received cheers from the crowd at Daytona International Speedway as Air Force One landed at the airport ahead of his arrival for the Daytona 500 on Sunday.
The president's plane flew over the speedway before it landed at Daytona International Airport. Cheers from the crowd were heard on the FOX broadcast as the pre-race hosts talked to Chase Elliott. NASCAR fans and drivers watched as the plane flew over the track.
Trump released a statement ahead of landing at the airport. He will be the first sitting president to attend two Daytona 500 races at Daytona International Speedway. He attended the race the first time in February 2020.
"This iconic race showcases the fastest, most fearless drivers in motorsports, who represent our Nation's love of tradition, competition, and automotive innovation," the statement read. "The Daytona 500 brings together people from all walks of life--from lifelong racing fans to first-time spectators--they all join in celebrating a shared passion for speed, adrenaline, and the thrill of the race.
"From the roar of the engines on the track to the echo of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' soaring through the stands, the Daytona 500 is a timeless tribute to the speed, strength, and unyielding spirit that make America great. That spirit is what will fuel America's Golden Age, and if we harness it, the future is truly ours."
The president was seen riding around the track in The Beast before he chatted with NASCAR drivers and legendary racer Richard Petty.
He was on hand for the singing of the national anthem. He thanked U.S. military members for their service in his statement.
"Since the very beginning, NASCAR has carried forth a proud tradition of honoring our heroic Service members for their unwavering courage," the statement added. "While fans from around the world gather today at Daytona International Speedway, we extend our unending gratitude to the selfless men and women in uniform who risk their lives to keep us safe. When the engines start or the checkered flag waves, and all 500 thrilling miles in between, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and Guardians stand ready to defend cherished traditions like this--and for that, we are truly thankful.
"Melania and I send our best wishes for a safe and successful race. May God bless our Armed Forces, and may He continue to bless the United States of America."
Here's Air Force One doing a flyover:
My first reaction to this was, "Cool." But my second reaction was, "This risks overexposure." Americans like their politicians like they like their children, seen but not heard.
But my third reaction is: Good. The left used regime change "color revolution" tactics against Trump in his first term, sowing doubt about whether he was the real legitimate president. They're doing that again, though it's harder this time.
So I think it's okay to fight fire with fire. When rebellions attempt to displace a leader, standard tactics are to get on TV and declare oneself president over and over again.
It's all third-world theatrics, but the left has brought this nation down to a third-world level.
And, anyway, it was pretty cool watching him go around the track in the limo.