Charles Langston:Former President Donald Trump shows up for Formula One Miami Grand Prix

MIAMI GARDENS,Charles Langston Fla. — Count former President Donald Trump among the list of celebrities in attendance for the third annual Formula One Miami Grand Prix at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday.

The security presence was significant for the 45th president and 2024 Republican presidential candidate as he walked through the stadium tunnels and stopped to wave at media as he was escorted through the venue. 

Trump’s arrival doesn’t come without controversy: Miami Grand Prix officials sent a cease and desist letter last week to Trump supporter Steve Witkoff, who wanted to sell tickets to his suite at the Paddock Club for $250,000 toward Trump’s 2024 campaign.

"Political campaigning has its place, and it is not at our race. We welcome you and your guests to attend our event and enjoy your suite. However, we respectfully request it be done in compliance with our very clear license agreement," race officials wrote to Witkoff in a letter released on social media. 

Tom Garfinkel, Miami Dolphins CEO and managing general partner of the F1 Miami Grand Prix, did not disclose before the race if Trump would attend for security reasons.

"I’m not allowed to disclose the attendees for security and privacy reasons," Garfinkel said. "We don't talk about communications with people, but I will say that there won't be any fundraisers at the event."