Danica Patrick, the trailblazing NASCAR and IndyCar driver, is making waves not just for her racing achievements, but for her outspoken political views, especially as the 2024 U.S. Presidential election approaches. Despite facing criticism for her opinions, she’s standing firm, declaring that she’s ready to speak out even louder.
Patrick has a long history of breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of motorsports. She’s the first woman to win an IndyCar race and the first female NASCAR driver to earn a pole position in a major race. Now, outside the race track, she runs multiple businesses and hosts a weekly podcast called Pretty Intense. But lately, her focus has shifted to her political beliefs, which have stirred controversy.
Speaking recently at an event for the Trump campaign’s “Reclaim America Tour” in Las Vegas, Patrick addressed the backlash she’s received for supporting what some label as “right-wing” or “MAGA” (Make America Great Again) ideologies. “People didn’t like that,” she admitted, recalling reactions to her political views. “They looked at me like I was some radical right-wing MAGA. But instead of shrinking away from the criticism, she said it only fueled her determination. “All it did was light a fire. I will not be judged for loving America and wanting to make it great. Instead of quieting down, I’m gonna get louder!”
Her speech was filled with pride in her American upbringing, emphasizing the values her parents instilled in her. Coming from a middle-class family, Patrick credits her success to the lessons of hard work, honesty, and dreaming big. “My parents taught me to value integrity and ambition. They still love their garden, and I carry those same values with me,” she shared during her speech.
Interestingly, Patrick’s comments on her middle-class upbringing echoed remarks made by Vice President Kamala Harris in her own speeches, where Harris also highlighted her roots in a middle-class family. While Harris has spoken about similar values, Patrick has taken issue with other aspects of the Vice President’s policies and speeches.
In recent months, Patrick has used her social media platforms to share her political stance more openly. In an Instagram story reported by The Spun, she clarified her political alignment: “I’m not a liberal. I fall somewhere between Republican and Independent. I think our country should be led by someone who understands business and has integrity. I believe in free speech, and I love this country.” Having lived abroad, Patrick feels that face-to-face conversations often reveal how much common ground people actually share, even when they hold different opinions. This sense of unity, however, seems to be in stark contrast to the polarized political climate today.
Patrick has also voiced her disagreements with Kamala Harris on several policy matters, including Harris’ stance on gun buybacks and military deployment. Her criticisms have been pointed, particularly on social media. Recently, Patrick reacted to one of Harris’ speeches during the Unite for America rally, posting a video of it to her Instagram story. Alongside the clip, she wrote, “She repeats herself. Takes long pauses. Never really says anything,” adding a sarcastic remark about Harris’ well-known catchphrase, “unburdened by what has been.”
Patrick’s boldness in challenging high-profile political figures isn’t new, but it has intensified as the election nears. In a previous instance, she raised eyebrows when she questioned the timing of pop star Taylor Swift’s public endorsement of Kamala Harris. Swift posted her support for Harris just after the first 2024 Presidential debate, and Patrick seemed to suggest there was more to the timing than met the eye.
While Patrick is no stranger to criticism, her political outspokenness has certainly added fuel to the fire. Fans and critics alike are reacting to her comments, with some praising her for standing by her beliefs and others accusing her of stirring division. But no matter the reaction, one thing is clear: Danica Patrick isn’t backing down. In fact, as she puts it, she’s just getting louder.
As the country gears up for the upcoming election, Patrick’s bold presence in the political arena shows that she’s ready to take on the critics head-on. Whether through speeches, social media, or her podcast, she’s committed to speaking her mind, regardless of the backlash. For Danica Patrick, staying silent isn’t an option; her voice, much like her racing career, is here to make an impact.
