Danica Patrick ignited a fierce social media firestorm this weekend after sharing a striking photo in which she sported a red Make America Great Again hat and a blue swimsuit while out on a boat. The image of the former NASCAR and IndyCar star, now 43, swiftly went viral, drawing sharp criticism and polarized responses across platforms. Many were quick to comment, citing the political symbolism of her attire as the primary reason for the sudden controversy, and the comment section lit up in minutes, with some fans labeling the post “inappropriate,” while others questioned her public support for MAGA-related messaging.
The photo is not the first time Danica Patrick has drawn attention for her online presence. Having previously graced the pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue twice, she has often joked about a missed calling as a full-time swimsuit model. Even though she never took that professional path, Patrick frequently shares snapshots that highlight her fit figure, making headlines with her confidence. Yet, her recent choice to incorporate a red political cap made headlines for all the wrong reasons, transforming a simple swimsuit post into a hot-button topic overnight.
Commentary rolled in quickly, with followers divided along party lines. “How could you support this?” one fan challenged, their words echoing a broader frustration.
“Not what you want to see,”
wrote another, echoing a sense of disappointment that was palpable throughout the thread. The criticism was hardly one-sided—others accused detractors of overreacting, suggesting that Danica Patrick’s MAGA swimsuit photo represents her right to self-expression, no matter how divisive it may be in today’s tense climate.
Addressing the criticism, Danica Patrick spoke candidly about her evolving political awareness, stating,
“It was only a little over a year ago that I went to my first ever political event… I didn’t know who Charlie Kirk was. Like I had never paid attention to politics, and in fact, quite specifically avoided the news and had since like 2018.”
She described feeling “red pilled,” reflecting her recent immersion in political discussions and suggesting this new era in her public life is intentional and here to stay.
As reactions continue to pour in, the fallout from Danica Patrick’s viral MAGA swimsuit photo remains intense and deeply emotional. The controversy speaks to the broader cultural divide, with some lamenting the mixing of politics and personality, while others celebrate her unapologetic stance. Whatever the public verdict, it seems likely that Patrick’s presence at the center of such debates will endure, highlighting the persistent tension between celebrity, politics, and online discourse.
