The White House is once again under fire for using a beloved IP to promote its own political messaging, this time making Cars’ Lightning McQueen an unwitting mascot of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. Lightning McQueen has been the face of Pixar’s beloved Cars franchise ever since the first film arrived in 2006, which follows the cocky rookie race car as he learns there’s more to life than winning after becoming stranded in the small town of Radiator Springs. 20 years and three movies later, the character remains one of Pixar’s most recognisable children’s characters, with voice star Owen Wilson set to reprise the role in the upcoming Disney preschool series Cars: Lightning Racers. But ahead of his official return, the Trump administration has now put Mr. McQueen’s image to a very different use. In a social media post, the White House shared an updated version of the original Cars poster, showing our fave rookie with the American flag decorated on his exterior. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The White House (@whitehouse) Instead of the movie title, it says “MAGA Freedom 250 Grand Prix.” This refers to the first ever IndyCar street race held in Washington, DC, taking drivers around the National Mall as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. President Donald Trump announced the race by executive order in January and was present when it took place on Sunday, August 23. The decision to use beloved Pixar IP to advertise a MAGA event has not gone down well online, with the Instagram post’s comments section packed full of criticism. “Tarnishing the name of Lightning McQueen,” wrote one, while another said, “McQueen would not approve of this.” A third added, “Don’t use Cars to promote your illegal behavior.” Others suggested the House of Mouse has rights to take action for copyright infringement, including this person who said, “I smell a copyright violation.” Another commented, “Someone send to @pixar @disney @disneyplus @pixarcars for a copyright infringement notice of changing the logos and Pixar Cars characters.” A third simply said: “Come on Disney, sue them.” Ka-Chow these gas prices are still high — PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) August 23, 2026 The conversation is much the same on X. “Get Lightning out of your f**king magaslop advertising NOW. He would NEVER support this sh*t. Even more if it’s made with AISLOP,” said one. A second chimed in, “Ka-Chow these gas prices are still high.” A similar situation unfolded earlier this month when the White House used Spider-Man: Brand New Day to promote ICE, prompting a loud backlash. Despite the widespread anger, the post still appears on the White House’s social media pages. Film Shrine has contacted Disney for comment. For all the latest film and TV updates and hot takes, like our Facebook page. Featured image credit: Disney/Pixar/Instagram/@whitehouse Post navigation Next storyPrevious story
