The official X account of the US Republican Party posts an image on August 1, 2025, showing US President Donald Trump standing in front of a bright yellow sedan, and the caption reads: "The One Big Beautiful Bill will help bring back the great American car." Photo: Screenshot of the post

The image shows US President Donald Trump standing in front of a bright yellow sedan. The caption reads: "The One Big Beautiful Bill will help bring back the great American car." 

But online commentators said that the vehicle wasn't American-made. The X platform added a community note to the post, stating: "The car pictured behind President Trump is a stock image of a Russian/Soviet-made VAZ 2101, better known as the Lada 1200. It is not an American-made car." 

"The car pictured in this image is a Russian/Soviet-made VAZ 2101," one comment noted. Others mocked the mistake with sarcasm, saying, "Bringing Soviet prosperity to a decaying America."

Auto experts confirmed the mistake, according to Russia's state media outlet Russia Today RT. "That car is either a Lada 2101 or a Fiat 124 — and certainly not American," said Artem Bobtsov, speaking to RBK on Saturday. "The Fiat 124 was the model the Soviets used to build their first Zhiguli, so it's possible the image features either. But what's clear is that it isn't American-made," the report said.

'This is a Soviet car — so close!' Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota chided the Republican account. California Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell also wrote, repeating seven times: "Don't point out it's a Russian-made car."

Even right-wingers slammed the account for the blunder, the Daily Mail reported. ''Dear GOP, when talking about the great American car, please picture an American car. Sincerely, Everyone,'' wrote conservative Carolyn Tackett.

As of press time, the GOP's official X account had not deleted the post. The original post went up Thursday evening, and by Sunday, it had received more comments expressing concern than likes.

Global Times