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Danica Patrick Sparks IndyCar Broadcast Controversy

2026-09-08 · Danica Patrick · Player Focus

Danica Patrick's return to a national IndyCar broadcast has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The former NASCAR star, appearing on FOX's pre-race show for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., praised former President Donald Trump's role in creating the event, drawing immediate and intense criticism from viewers. This on-air moment capped a turbulent few days for Patrick, who also underwent unexpected surgery to remove a piece of glass from her foot and publicly praised a departing Trump administration official.

On-air praise for Trump sparks immediate fan backlash

Patrick's commentary during the live FOX broadcast on September 7 became the focal point for fan anger. Alongside Chris Myers and Helio Castroneves, she credited Trump's executive order for transforming the National Mall into a temporary circuit. "Between the vision of Eric Shanks and Bud Denker, with the help of, of course, Secretary Duffy and President Donald Trump, with that executive order, I think it really embodies what it is to live in America," Patrick said. Social media reaction was swift, with fans labeling the segment "nauseating" and accusing her of attempting to rewrite history. The pushback did not appear to deter Patrick, who later doubled down on her Instagram, thanking the same group for "dreaming it up" and getting the race "across the finish line."

A surprise surgery follows a busy broadcast weekend

Less than 24 hours after her FOX appearance, Patrick found herself in a hospital for an unplanned procedure. She revealed on her Instagram story that doctors removed a "chunk of glass" from her left foot, an injury she had carried for over a year. Patrick explained the fragment had recently become more painful after she "danced too hard in Ibiza" and was hitting her bone. "I have no idea how I could walk in heels but I absolutely could not walk barefoot," she wrote, adding that the propofol anesthetic "wasn't so bad." The surgery marked a sharp contrast to her polished on-camera presence just a day earlier.

Patrick pays tribute to a departing Trump press secretary

Patrick's political alignment remained a consistent theme. This week, she posted a tribute on Instagram to Karoline Leavitt, Trump's outgoing White House press secretary, calling her an "absolute legend." Patrick praised Leavitt as "witty and intelligent" and congratulated her on the decision to step away to focus on family. The 44-year-old former driver has been a visible supporter of Trump for years, stating previously that she never voted in an election until his campaign. Her post landed shortly after she reconnected with Trump at a Turning Point USA event in Arizona back in April.

Fitness and travel photos draw a different kind of attention

Away from the political fray, Patrick's personal life has also captured fan interest this summer. A recent workout photo from Santorini, where she showed her physique at 45, drew significant positive engagement on Instagram, amassing over 10,000 likes. She shared details of hiking "questionable mountains" and eating the best food of her trip while in Greece. This glimpse into her active, travel-heavy lifestyle presented a different side of the retired athlete, one that impressed fans with her fitness regimen years after her racing career ended.

  • Broadcast Backlash: Danica Patrick's pro-Trump remarks during FOX's IndyCar pre-race show on September 7 triggered widespread criticism from viewers.
  • Medical Interlude: She underwent surgery on September 8 to remove glass from her foot, an injury sustained over a year prior that worsened recently.
  • Political Profile: Patrick publicly praised outgoing Trump press secretary Karoline Leavitt, reinforcing her alignment with the MAGA movement.
  • Active Lifestyle: A fitness photo from Santorini attracted over 10,000 likes, highlighting her maintained physique and extensive summer travels.

Patrick is expected to continue contributing to FOX's IndyCar coverage.

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