On August 1, 2025, the official X account of the US Republican Party shared an image featuring former US President Donald Trump. The photograph showed Trump posing in front of a bright yellow sedan. Accompanying the image was a caption promoting a legislative initiative, "The One Big Beautiful Bill," with the stated goal of revitalizing the American automotive industry.
However, the choice of vehicle in the image quickly drew criticism. Online observers swiftly pointed out that the car was not of American origin. The X platform itself added a community note to the post, identifying the car as a VAZ 2101, a Soviet-made vehicle also known as the Lada 1200.
The error sparked a wave of commentary. Some users mocked the mistake with sarcasm. Auto experts also weighed in, confirming the car's non-American origins. One expert, speaking to a Russian media outlet, clarified that the car was either a Lada 2101 or a Fiat 124, neither of which were American-made.
The blunder was met with criticism from across the political spectrum. Democratic figures, including Senator Tina Smith and Representative Eric Swalwell, publicly criticized the Republican account. Even some right-wing commentators expressed disapproval. As of the time of reporting, the original post remained live on the GOP's official X account, with the number of critical comments exceeding the number of likes.
5 Comments
ZmeeLove
Trump posing with a Lada? Just proves he doesn't know what it means to support American workers.
Comandante
This shows the GOP's lack of authenticity. How can they lead America with mistakes like this?
Mariposa
How can the GOP claim to support American industry while featuring a Soviet-made car? Total hypocrisy!
Leonardo
The GOP continues to show they have no real commitment to American values. This is just embarrassing.
Donatello
Critics need to chill. The GOP is trying to bring back jobs, and that's what's important.