Danica Patrick sparked intense debate this week as she publicly criticized the value of higher education, describing college as “dangerous” in a viral social media post. On Tuesday, Patrick, who is widely known for her accomplishments as a former professional NASCAR driver and for her regular sports commentary, took to Instagram to share her thoughts in response to a video featuring conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The debate, which originally aired through Turning Point USA, showed Kirk engaging in a heated discussion with a college student over the topic of abortion, setting the stage for Patrick to voice her growing skepticism about contemporary college environments.
In her Instagram story, Danica Patrick directly addressed her audience, writing,
Who would have thought my GED would make me smarter or keep me smart? College is a dangerous place for the mind.
Her message was clear, making no attempt to hide her belief that modern universities present inherent ideological risks, particularly for young people seeking intellectual independence. The comment quickly spread on social media, igniting both support and criticism from people across the political spectrum.
This is not the first time Danica Patrick has used her platform to promote conservative perspectives, but her remarks about college education represented a new level of candor and controversy. Patrick credits Charlie Kirk with being influential in her political awakening, stating that he played a pivotal role in what she describes as her “red-pilling” moment. She admitted to being largely apolitical in the past, even avoiding the news altogether for several years, but since attending her first political event in Phoenix just over a year ago, Patrick’s outlook has shifted dramatically.
Standing up for something is a powerful thing,
Patrick recently said, reflecting on her transformation.
When you’re in your truth, you’re quite magnetic. It gains momentum really fast, because when we’re doing what’s meant for us, the universe just lines things up for us. It went really quickly for me. It was a little over a year ago that I went to my first ever political event, which was AmFest here in Phoenix.
Danica Patrick also explained that her growing engagement with political issues, and her eventual support for Donald Trump in 2024, was met with considerable backlash.
That was a divisive comment to so many, which was ridiculous,
she said of a previous social media post in which she expressed her love for the United States. Interactions with influential conservative media figures, including Tucker Carlson as well as Charlie Kirk, reinforced her shift, leading her to become an outspoken political voice—especially on matters related to education, freedom of speech, and personal autonomy.
For followers of Danica Patrick, her recent comments are simply the latest in a string of provocative opinions she has shared. Over the past year, she has frequently posted about controversial issues on politics and culture, often documenting her attendance at various conservative events. While her perspective resonates with many who question the modern college experience, others have responded with concern about the effect such statements might have on young people trying to navigate their academic futures, especially as many families see higher education as an essential stepping stone.
The stakes remain high as the conversation around college education and ideological diversity only intensifies. Danica Patrick’s willingness to publicly criticize universities has prompted a renewed look at the perceived role of higher education, deepening divisions but also encouraging some to reconsider their own views. As public figures like Patrick take stronger political stances, the debate about what students should expect from college—and how much trust they can place in these institutions—shows no signs of calming, ensuring the controversy will continue to spark conflicted feelings among supporters and skeptics alike.
