Well, it looks like Trump’s latest campaign stop at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s has the fast-food giant feeling the heat. After the former president put on a McDonald’s apron and jumped behind the counter to work the fryer, the company was quick to respond in a corporate email to employees. And of course, in classic corporate fashion, they tiptoed around the whole thing, reminding everyone that they’re not in the business of endorsing candidates—they’re just here to sling burgers and fries.
McDonald’s went on to claim they didn’t seek out all this political attention but admitted it’s a “testament to how much McDonald’s resonates with so many Americans.” They’re not wrong. After all, who hasn’t had a McDonald’s run at some point? But what really stood out was the company’s insistence that they’re “not red or blue—we are golden.” Cute, right?
This is an internal statement to the McDonald’s system from the US Senior Leadership Team regarding today’s visit by the Trump campaign to a local franchisee in Pennsylvania. The statement outlines the origins of the event, the company’s response, and an invitation extended to… pic.twitter.com/1GntbmDbbY
— McFranchisee (@McFranchisee) October 20, 2024
Let’s be real here, though. Trump’s stop at McDonald’s was pure political theater, and frankly, it’s the kind of thing that works for him. Whether you like him or not, you have to admit he knows how to put on a show. In a matter of minutes, the former president had social media buzzing with memes of him in a McDonald’s apron, grinning as he handed out fries. And his campaign didn’t waste any time turning it into a branding opportunity. In true Trump fashion, they’re already selling “MAGADonald’s” shirts with the slogan, “I will Make America Affordable Again.” Because, why not?
Meanwhile, McDonald’s was doing damage control, pointing out that they open their doors to everyone—whether it’s Trump, Harris, or anyone else. Apparently, some McDonald’s franchisees even invited Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to stop by and share how the company provides economic opportunities. I’m sure we’ll all be holding our breath for Harris to throw on a McDonald’s uniform, though that’s about as likely as the McRib staying on the menu permanently.
BREAKING: President Trump becomes the first and only 2024 presidential nominee to work at McDonald’s.
The mainstream media does not want you to SHARE! pic.twitter.com/e4ubOTPPLa
— Donald J. Trump News (@DonaldTNews) October 20, 2024
Of course, the Harris campaign didn’t miss the chance to take a swipe at Trump. Walz was quick to jump on social media, criticizing Trump’s McDonald’s appearance by accusing him of “stiffing workers” and opposing efforts to raise the minimum wage. He pointed out that Harris “has actually worked at McDonald’s” and joined picket lines for workers. But let’s be honest, no one’s buying that Harris flipping burgers decades ago is somehow more authentic than Trump’s fast-food pit stop.
With just weeks left before the election, Trump’s McDonald’s appearance is the kind of viral moment that could actually help him with everyday voters who love to see him “working” alongside them, even if only for a few minutes. It’s the kind of stunt that plays right into his persona as the billionaire populist. Meanwhile, Harris is left playing catch-up, trying to convince everyone that her time spent working at McDonald’s in the ’80s somehow makes her more relatable.
A Brazilian immigrant to President Trump at McDonald’s:
“Mr. President, please don’t let the United States become Brazil!”
That about sums up exactly what we’re fighting for. Absolutely incredible moment.
pic.twitter.com/wuk5ZK5Dwz— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) October 20, 2024
As we get closer to November 5th, it’ll be interesting to see who benefits more from their “under the golden arches” appearances. But if I had to bet, Trump’s making sure those fries are going to be worth more than just a side dish to his campaign.