Two weeks ago, the State Department invited foreign ambassadors to a V. I. P. zone at President Trump’s Indy Car race in downtown Washington, promising free food, drinks, shaded seating with misting fans, and a 'summer chic/golf attire' dress code.

On Saturday evening, some embassies received an email stating the V. I. P. invitation was canceled due to changes by event organizers, offering general admission tickets instead.

Several senior diplomats from Germany and Monaco retained V. I. P. access, but others who had altered travel plans or arrived early were denied entry.

One diplomat canceled a vacation to attend, calling it part of their duty. Jeremy Shapiro, former State Department official and research director at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said the incident reflects a broader pattern of the Trump administration disregarding diplomatic norms. Ambassador Maguy Maccario Doyle of Monaco, who attended, noted there was space in the suite and expressed surprise at the disinvites.

The cancellation email contained a typo and directed ambassadors to use Ticketmaster for two free general admission tickets. A State Department official attributed the change to private organizers, stating foreign ambassadors still receive extraordinary access through official engagements.