Donald Trump is facing a new wave of criticism over his recent NASCAR appearance where he could be seen waving and ‘staging’ a moment for crowds many have dubbed “non-existent”.
The ex-POTUS arrived at the Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday for the annual 600-mile NASCAR Cup Series points race in North Carolina. He has since been mercilessly mocked and branded a “pathetic loser” for his “staged moment” meant for his “propaganda film crew to edit later”.
He made quite an entrance by flying his Trump Force One over the race track before he made his way to the event. However, liberal supporters couldn’t find a better opportunity to ridicule the former US president for his appearance.
An account by the name of Biden Wins on X tweeted: “After getting booed relentlessly last night, Donald Trump has been caught waving at a non-existent audience. It’s almost like he’s trying to stage the moment. Retweet so all Americans see this embarrassing moment.”
Former attorney and media personality Ron Filipkowski wrote: “Trump pulls up to the NASCAR race today and acts like the crowd is cheering for him so his propaganda film crew can do a nice edit later.” Actress Ellen Barkin referred to Trump as a “pathetic loser” in a quote-tweet of the race clip.
Luke Beasley, a media personality wrote in a quote-tweet on X, said: “A clearly confused Donald Trump is saluting during Amazing Grace. Why won’t the media cover his cognitive decline?”
While Harry Harrison who claims himself a Democrat in his X bio, brutally mocked Trump and tweeted: “HAHAHA! The Trump campaign just put out this photo of Trump “waving to supporters.” Except… he’s not waving at anybody. Nobody is cheering for him. He’s waving at nothing trying to make it look like he’s popular. His whole campaign is a lie!”.
However, Trump was greeted with excitement and fervour by his supporters on Sunday following his frosty reception at the Libertarian Party National Convention on Saturday. In one of the several clips, Republican supporters could be seen cheering the ex-POTUS with chants of “USA! USA! USA”. While the onlookers can be heard yelling and praising Trump, “make America great again!” and “you’re our man, Trump”.
The president was later spotted meeting and chatting with Richard Petty, “the King” of NASCAR. They were seen hugging, shaking hands, and enjoying a moment of camaraderie. Trump also took a stroll down pit lane with his supporter, Richard Childress, owner of Richard Childress Racing, and the No. 3 Chevrolet car driver, Austin Dillon, along with the No. 8 Chevrolet car of Kyle Busch.
NASCAR CEO Brian France endorsed Trump during his 2016 campaign and has been a great supporter of the former president who attended the annual event throughout his presidency with Melania Trump. The president praised NASCAR during his brief meeting with NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. and his team at the White House in 2018.
He said: “One thing I love about NASCAR is they do indeed stand for the playing of the National Anthem. They do indeed.” Adding: “Somebody said ‘maybe you shouldn’t say that, it’ll be controversial’ and I said ‘that’s okay, NASCAR’s not going to mind it at all.’ Right fellas? They don’t mind it at all.”