Pete Hegseth was slammed online for his casual Coca Cola 600 attire(Image: (Image: Getty Image))NASCAR enthusiasts and Americans alike took to the internet to blast United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for his choice of attire at a military event.
Hegseth – rebuilding his public image after the infamous ‘Signal’ fiasco – showed up at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600 donning what some called backyard barbecue attire. He sported a pale blue button-up shirt, a white rope trucker cap with “47” stitched in patriotic red, white, and blue, and an American flag design. To certain fans, it seemed he was tipping his hat to Ricky Stenhouse Jr. , driver of the No.47 Chevy for JTG Daugherty Racing.
Yet, some on social media interpreted the cap as a discreet nod to President Donald Trump – who has been in a bizarre feud with Bruce Springsteen – particularly since Trump is known for making hats a signature part of his political brand.
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“What a disgrace to our country and our veterans! Pete Hegseth wearing a draft dodger’s hat for a salute to veterans at the Coke 600. This country has gone to —-,” fumed one irate user.
Another quipped, “Pete Hegseth rocking a Stenhouse hat is extremely funny,” while someone else suggested that the US Defense Secretary should have pressed his shirt for the occasion.
Others politicized their critiques, accusing Hegseth of disrespecting the very military members he was there to honor. “He wore a political hat on stage with VIP soldiers, who I’m sure he hated because there was melanin represented,” commented another observer of the event.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth appeared at the Coca Cola 600 on Sunday(Image: (Image: Getty Image))Hegseth kept mum on the significance of the rope hat, but patriotic fans can snag one for $44.95 at Stenhouse’s online shop. The white cap flaunting Old Glory’s colors donned by Hegseth is just one of two designs that flew off the virtual shelves, with all 17 styles up for grabs having sold like hotcakes.
As the Grand Marshal at the North Carolina race, Hegseth was joined by military personnel from every branch of the US Armed Forces. He reminisced about his attendance in 2022 when he rallied support for the troops.
“It’s an honor to return to the Coca-Cola 600 as the historic event’s Grand Marshal,” Hegseth proclaimed. “I’ll never forget attending in 2022, the overwhelming sense of patriotism, the unity of the crowd, and the deep respect shown to our men and women in uniform.
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“This event is a powerful tribute to those who serve and sacrifice for our freedoms,” he added. “I’m proud to be part of such a strong American tradition that celebrates our military in an impactful way.”
The 2025 Coca-Cola 600 featured William Byron clinching Stage 1 and navigating through 23 caution laps ahead of the final showdown. The event was abuzz with action, witnessing over thirteen changes in the lead.
Byron held sway for 116 laps, clocking an impressive average run position of 1.96 and scorching around the track with the fastest lap time pegged at 183.83 mph.