Remember when Kamala Harris promised “joy” during her failed 2024 presidential candidacy? The depressing, malaise-plagued campaign brought anything but, and she was soundly defeated.
But you know who did bring joy back to Washington, D.C.? President Donald Trump and DOGE chief Elon Musk—have you ever seen two top political figures having so much fun? They’re like little kids left to run around Disneyworld with their best friends in tow.
Fresh off his visit to the Super Bowl (the only sitting president to ever attend), the president kept at it on Sunday, hanging out with racing legend Richard Petty and taking “The Beast”—the commander-in-chief’s armored limousine—around the track at the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Florida as he set the pace. (He did the same in 2020, but it’s still awesome to see again.)
Watch (and listen):
President Trump gets on the radio to all the drivers while taking a lap in the beast at the Daytona 500.
— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) February 16, 2025
"This is your favorite President..."
So cool! 🤣🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸pic.twitter.com/OWeIYXSgXb
It was quite a day:
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.
Moments ago, President Trump did a flyover on Air Force One at the Daytona 500. The view from above! #DAYTONA500 pic.twitter.com/DCX7d5iH9H
— Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) February 16, 2025
The president issued a statement upon landing:
"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 greatest President in history meets the greatest NASCAR driver in history!
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) May 27, 2024
President Trump and Richard Petty
American Legends! pic.twitter.com/Uwjq3sHRnF
Can you imagine Joe Biden going to the Super Bowl one week and then Daytona the next? Ole Joe couldn’t even work up the energy to do an interview for the last Super Bowl of his first term, much less tear himself away from his beach cottage to actually mill around with the regular folk.
We’re in an entirely new era:
Biden Gives Fox News the Cold Shoulder, Refuses to Commit to Traditional Super Bowl Interview
Trump—Flying Aboard Air Force One on Way to Super Bowl—Proclaims It 'Gulf of America' Day
Remember that malaise that infected America for four long years? (And those eight long years between 2009-2017)? They are officially gone—and not a moment too soon.
President Trump's grandaughter is wearing the best ruby slippers since the Wizard of Oz.
— Brick Suit (@Brick_Suit) February 16, 2025
There's no place like Daytona! pic.twitter.com/vCKU76rSsL
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