EO-14381
Celebrating American Greatness With American Motor Racing
- Signed
- Jan 30, 2026
- Published
- Feb 4, 2026
Federal Register: 2026-02292
Source: Federal Register.
Establishes INDYCAR Street Race Near National Mall for U.S. 250th Anniversary
Impact2/10
What it does
This order directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transportation to designate a route in Washington, D.C. for an INDYCAR street race called the "Freedom 250 Grand Prix," to be held near the National Mall in celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. The two secretaries are directed to issue all necessary permits and approvals as quickly as possible, and the Department of Transportation may use available funds to help facilitate the event. The order also directs the FAA to allow permitted drone and aerial photography operations during the race.
Who benefits
INDYCAR racing teams, drivers, and the series itself. Event promoters, sponsors, and broadcasters. Tourism-related businesses in Washington, D.C. (hotels, restaurants, retail). D.C.-area residents and visitors who attend the race. Drone operators and aerial photography companies granted permits. America250 anniversary celebration organizers. Fans of motorsport nationally and internationally who watch via broadcast.
Who is affected
D.C. residents and commuters whose road access would be disrupted during route designation, preparation, and race day. Businesses along the designated route that may face temporary closures or reduced foot traffic. National Park Service staff and resources redirected to support the event. Pedestrians and cyclists who regularly use affected roads, trails, or bridges near the National Mall. Nearby federal facility operators who may face airspace coordination requirements. Taxpayers, to the extent the Department of Transportation uses available funds to facilitate the event.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that the president's broad authority to manage federal lands and direct executive agencies — including the National Park Service and the Department of Transportation — fully supports organizing a celebratory public event on federal property in Washington, D.C. They contend the Freedom 250 Grand Prix would generate significant tourism revenue, showcase the nation's capital to a global audience, and serve as a fitting centerpiece for the country's 250th birthday, all at relatively modest cost given the existing special-event permitting framework under 36 C.F.R. 7.96(g).
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that directing federal agencies to expedite permits for a specific commercial sporting event on public lands near national monuments sets a precedent for bypassing the standard, public-notice-driven permitting process that applies to all other event organizers. They contend that using Department of Transportation funds to "facilitate" a private motorsport event may raise questions about whether such expenditures align with the agency's statutory mission, and that road and airspace closures near the National Mall impose real costs on D.C. residents and federal operations without a clear public-interest justification beyond celebration.
Constitutional basis
Executive orders rest on constitutional authority or statutory delegation. This summary describes the legal grounding cited or implied by the order.
The order rests on the president's Article II authority to direct executive branch agencies (Take Care Clause, Art. II §3) and on statutory authority over federal lands managed by the National Park Service (54 U.S.C. §100101 et seq.) and the Department of Transportation's enabling statutes. The specific permitting mechanism cited is 36 C.F.R. 7.96(g), the National Capital Region special-events regulation, as amended by a temporary rule published at 90 Fed. Reg. 25498 for America250 events. A future president could reverse this order before the event takes place.