Former NASCAR and IndyCar driver Danica Patrick has made an appearance at Donald Trump's second inauguration as President of the United States.
Although she had never voted in a presidential election before 2024, Patrick publicly supported Trump during his campaign.
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The former driver-turned-broadcaster stood out as a key figure among the attendees. Her newfound engagement in politics saw her actively participating in Trump's campaign where she moderated a Q&A session with Trump's running mate, JD Vance, and spoke at a rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania.
Speaking about her step into politics, Patrick previously stated that it felt like a "calling." She explained:
"That night just standing in the crowd, you know, after all the swing states kept going red, and you're like, wow, and once Pennsylvania came through, you're like, 'Oh my God, it's really happening.'
"[...] It's been a long time since I just like volunteered so much time out of passion and out of a calling. I guess it's been a while since there's been a calling. And that's kind of what it was. It was a very, it was a very unforced process for me that began at AmFest in the end of 2023.
"It was just such a blessing to be on that last phase of it. That last sort of four or five days with Tulsi (Gabbard) and yourself, and the man himself Donald Trump. So I'll never forget flying home on Trump Force One sitting next to him hanging out being like, 'How did I get here? This is so wild.'"
As well as Patrick making an appearance at the event, a gathering of fighters also lent their support to Trump with names like Jake and Logan Paul, Conor McGregor, Mike Tyson, Jon Jones, and Jorge Masvidal attending. These fighters, many of whom have a history of endorsing Trump, joined the crowd, with some even spotted inside the Capitol rotunda.
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, also participated in the event. Other sports figures present included Brian Urlacher of the NFL, MLB's Noah Syndergaard, NFL's Antonio Brown, and NHL's Evander Kane.
After voting for the first time, Patrick shared, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:
"I voted today, for the first time.
"I made a rule for myself that if I didn't vote I could not have an opinion about the outcome, because I didn't earn that right. Not this time. I voted for @realdonaldtrump and I can't wait to have him make America great again!
"Thank you @stephalvorson for walking me through the process! Anyone that knows what to do.... Help them vote and vote early!"
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