Former U.S. President Donald Trump made a high-profile appearance at the Daytona 500 in Florida on Sunday, engaging with fans and media at one of NASCAR’s most prestigious events. Trump, who has remained a central figure in American politics, took the opportunity to address a range of pressing issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and domestic economic concerns.
Trump’s appearance at the Daytona International Speedway drew significant attention as he mingled with fans and briefly spoke to reporters.
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Despite a rain delay that paused the race, Trump praised the event and its organizers, calling the crowd “amazing” and expressing admiration for the sport’s passionate fanbase. “Daytona was fantastic. The crowd was amazing. They love the sport, and the people who run it are wonderful,” Trump remarked.
During a brief media gaggle, Trump shifted focus to international affairs, particularly the war between Ukraine and Russia. He revealed that he had been in contact with key figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and emphasized his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to end the conflict. “I think he wants to stop fighting,” Trump said, referencing a lengthy conversation he claimed to have had with Putin. “They have a big, powerful machine, but I think he wants to end it fast.”
Trump also criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the conflict, suggesting that the war could have been prevented under his leadership. “It’s too bad it started. It would have been a lot easier to end it before it started,” he said. “Under Obama, they took a lot. Under Biden, they’re trying to take the whole thing. Under Trump, they took nothing.” He lamented the loss of life and destruction of cultural landmarks in Ukraine, calling the situation “very sad.”
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When asked about the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, Trump indicated that he had advised Israeli officials to act decisively. “I told [Netanyahu], you do whatever you want,” he said, referencing a recent agreement involving hostage releases. Trump claimed his intervention led to the release of additional hostages, including an American citizen. “They delivered everybody, plus an American,” he said, while criticizing the condition of some hostages as resembling “holocaust survivors.”
Trump reiterated his belief in “peace through strength,” a hallmark of his foreign policy approach. He also defended his administration’s decision to deliver weapons to allies, contrasting it with the Biden administration’s policies. “Peace through strength—you understand that, right?” he said.
Turning to domestic issues, Trump blamed the Biden administration for rising inflation and economic challenges. “Prices have reached an all-time high,” he said. “This was caused by Biden. I had four years of virtually no inflation.”
Trump said that the U.S. has made more progress in the last three weeks—presumably referencing his recent political activities—than in the past four years. “This country has made more progress in the last three weeks than it has in the last four years,” he asserted.
As the rain-delayed race resumed, Trump left the speedway, but not without leaving a lasting impression on attendees and the media. Whether on the track or the political stage, Trump remains a figure who commands attention—and controversy.
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