Trump’s green flag waving at IndyCar race becomes instant viral hit

The gesture triggered mockery from Trump’s critics, celebration by his supporters and a steady stream of memes from everyone in between

Donald Trump took part in a ceremonial lap in his presidential limousine before waving a green flag to kick off a first-of-its-kind motor sports race through the streets of Washington DC.

US president, pushing on with Freedom 250 festivities, makes over nation’s capital for Trump rally on wheels Kyle Kirkwood wins Freedom 250 IndyCar race after Trump waves the green flag He got the wrong end of the stick. Donald Trump couldn’t figure out how to hold the green flag until his wife, Melania Trump, and Co

The president took a ceremonial lap of the track before the race, which is the culmination of a summer of events to mark the country's 250th birthday.

President Donald Trump transformed the streets around the National Mall in Washington, D.C., this weekend into an IndyCar motorsports mecca for the first time.

U.S. President has increasingly focused on ceremonial aspects in his second term

Washington was hosting an IndyCar race through its streets Sunday, with U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump kicking off the Freedom 250 Grand Prix by leading a slow lap in the presidential limousine through the course.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump have kicked off the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington

Trump waves the green flag to start the IndyCar race as drivers zoom through Washington's streets  AP News

President Trump had a large presence before IndyCar's Washington, D.C., race, an event he played a major role in bringing to the capital.

The open-wheel race, with cars whizzing past Washington's monuments at speeds approaching 200 mph, is the latest of Trump's celebrations this year to mark America's 250th birthday.

Race cars will roar across Washington city streets today in the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, created by President Donald Trump.