Former NASCAR and IndyCar driver Danica Patrick has issued a strong endorsement of Donald Trump following his recognition as TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year.
Donald Trump, who secured victory in the November presidential election against Kamala Harris, was celebrated by TIME for being the most influential figure on the global stage over the past year. Trump’s political presence has dominated American politics since he began his presidential campaign in 2015; and this recent recognition cements his enduring influence.
Patrick, who played an active role in supporting Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign, voiced her approval of TIME’s decision by sharing a photo of Trump labelled “Man of the Year” on Instagram.
An enthusiastic backer of Trump, Patrick attended numerous campaign rallies and was directly involved in the political campaign for the first time in her life. Her comprehensive support for Trump marked a stark contrast to her previous detachment from political activities, as she had not voted in prior elections.
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Trump’s recognition by TIME highlights his continued impact on the political landscape, building upon his previous presidency from 2017 to 2021. TIME’s selection criteria focus on individuals who have reshaped global narratives, whether positively or negatively. TIME commented:
“For 97 years, the editors of TIME have been picking the Person of the Year: the individual who, for better or for worse, did the most to shape the world and the headlines over the past 12 months.
“In many years, that choice is a difficult one. In 2024, it was not. Since he began running for President in 2015, perhaps no single individual has played a larger role in changing the course of politics and history than Trump.”
Reflecting on her campaign involvement, Patrick recently explained it felt like “a calling”. She stated, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:
“That night just standing in the crowd, you know, after all the swing states kept going red, and you’re like, wow, and once Pennsylvania came through, you’re like, ‘Oh my God, it’s really happening.’
“[…] It’s been a long time since I just like volunteered so much time out of passion and out of a calling. I guess it’s been a while since there’s been a calling. And that’s kind of what it was. It was a very, it was a very unforced process for me that began at AmFest in the end of 2023.
“It was just such a blessing to be on that last phase of it. That last sort of four or five days with Tulsi (Gabbard) and yourself, and the man himself Donald Trump. So I’ll never forget flying home on Trump Force One sitting next to him hanging out being like, ‘How did I get here? This is so wild.'”
