Danica Patrick, the famous former NASCAR and IndyCar driver, faced intense backlash this weekend after sharing a swimsuit photo on social media in which she wore a red “Make America Great Again” hat. The post quickly ignited strong reactions from thousands online, who did not shy away from voicing their disapproval. The incident unfolded as Patrick, 43, posted the picture just days ago, instantly setting social media abuzz and provoking fiery debate over what critics called “inappropriate” content.
Known for breaking barriers in the racing world and for her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, Danica Patrick has never been one to shy away from public attention. In the past, she even joked about wanting to be a swimsuit model, saying,
“I wish I was a swimsuit model,”
while reflecting on her Sports Illustrated shoots. Regardless of that dream, Patrick has continued to share pictures that flaunt her fitness, but it was the addition of the iconic red hat this weekend that pushed many followers to respond more fiercely than usual.
Comments poured in quickly. One user declared, “Not appropriate,” while another simply admitted, “Don’t like seeing this.” The swimsuit photo with the MAGA hat marked a clear political statement, with Patrick unabashedly signaling her support for the movement associated with the hat—a stance that, as recent events demonstrated, has the power to sharply divide online communities.
Addressing the growing controversy, Danica Patrick offered deeper insight into her evolving political views. She explained,
“It was only a little over a year ago that I went to my first ever political event, which was AmFest here in Phoenix, Charlie Kirk’s big event. I mean at that point in time, hopefully without people judging, I didn’t know who Charlie was. Like I had never paid attention to politics, and in fact, quite specifically avoided the news and had since like 2018.”
She continued,
“So after going to that event, I posted some photos of my sister and I, and it just said that ‘I love this country’ and it was a divisive comment to so many and grabbed a lot of attention, which was ridiculous.”
Danica Patrick revealed she soon after met public figures like Tucker Carlson and Charlie Kirk and started appearing on political broadcasts, openly asserting,
“Well, I guess I am in politics now.”
The controversy over Danica Patrick’s swimsuit photo highlights a growing intersection between celebrity, social media, and political expression, drawing passionate responses from both supporters and detractors. As Patrick stands firm in her choices, the online debate shows no sign of slowing, leaving a significant question about how public figures should navigate personal beliefs in the digital age, and what the future holds for those willing to share them so boldly.
