President Donald Trump Will Not Attend 2025 Indianapolis 500

President Donald Trump greets Roger Penske before the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (Chris Graythen/Pool via AP)

By Kelly Roberts

Posted: May 16, 2025 / 08:16 PM EST / Updated: May 16, 2025 / 09:47 PM EST

INDIANAPOLIS (Hoosier Enquirer) — President Donald Trump will not be attending the 2025 Indianapolis 500, according to multiple reports, dashing speculation about a historic presidential appearance at the iconic race.

The possibility of Trump attending the Indianapolis 500 was first raised in April during a White House visit by IndyCar owner Roger Penske, defending Indy 500 champion Josef Newgarden, and other motorsport champions. During the visit, Penske extended an open invitation to Trump to visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“I’ll have to get there. I might have to get there, maybe this year,” Trump said at the time, expressing admiration for Penske’s contributions to the sport. “What you’ve done in Indianapolis, with the track and everything, has been incredible. It’s really incredible. People tell me it’s been amazing.”

The White House event also featured Newgarden’s IndyCar, prompting Trump to inquire about its speed. “How fast does it go?” Trump asked. Newgarden replied, “240 plus.”

“240? That’s unbelievable,” Trump responded, visibly impressed. He also acknowledged Newgarden’s back-to-back Indianapolis 500 victories, jokingly asking, “What are you eating?”

“Drinking a lot of milk,” Newgarden quipped, referencing the traditional Indy 500 victory celebration.

Despite the enthusiasm, no sitting U.S. president has ever attended the Indianapolis 500, and Trump’s absence will maintain that precedent.

The 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 is set for Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Newgarden, the two-time defending champion, aims to make history as the first driver to win “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” three years in a row.

Pole Day is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, with the Firestone Fast Six qualifying session set for 6:25 p.m. In 2024, Team Penske dominated qualifying, with Scott McLaughlin securing the pole position, followed by Will Power in second and Newgarden in third.

While President Trump will not be in attendance, the 2025 Indianapolis 500 promises to deliver high-speed thrills and historic moments as Newgarden chases a three-peat.

Our Editor In Chief Gabriel Whitley was invited to the Indy 500 by friends in a private area to watch the race and Hoosier Enquirer will have field reporters there.