In an unexpected twist, former President Donald Trump brought McDonald’s into the political spotlight during his 2024 campaign, stopping at a location in Pennsylvania. The former president operated the fry station before holding an impromptu news conference to spark debate about his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, and her claims to have worked at McDonald’s while in college. The visit became a significant event that not only targeted Harris’ narrative but also drew a well-known American fast-food company into the heated political debate.
On a busy Sunday in Feasterville-Trevose, Bucks County—a key swing voter district north of Philadelphia—Trump wore an apron and helped prepare fast food. An employee showed him how to properly soak, salt, and package fries with a scoop, demonstrating a rare example of a former president stepping into the shoes of a fast-food worker. Trump, who openly admits to enjoying fast food, was impressed by the painstaking technique required, stating, “It requires great expertise, actually, to do it right and fast,” with a smirk on his face.
A Symbolic Political Move
The McDonald’s event was more than just a spectacle; it was a direct response to Harris’s stories about working at a McDonald’s in Alameda, California, during her undergraduate years. While the Democratic nominee has offered details about her experiences in various speeches and interviews, Trump has questioned the veracity of her allegations, accusing Harris of manufacturing the narrative without offering any evidence. This visit was his method of casting doubt on her middle-class origins story, which she has regularly used to appeal to voters.
A considerable crowd gathered outside the restaurant, which had been shuttered for the event. Supporters waved flags, hoisted signs, and blared music while hoping to catch a sight of the former president. Meanwhile, Trump served food to customers through the drive-thru window, joking with a reporter about buying them ice cream and wishing Harris a “Happy Birthday,” adding, “I think I’ll get her some flowers.”
Controversial Campaign Tactics
Trump’s 2024 campaign has included a number of unusual techniques, the most recent of which was a McDonald’s stop. This tactic is consistent with his pattern of throwing doubt on his opponents’ personal histories, particularly against women and minorities. He has previously questioned the biographies of figures such as Barack Obama and Nikki Haley, using conspiracy theories or baseless accusations to undermine them. Trump’s focus on Harris’ McDonald’s narrative is intended to portray her as removed from everyday Americans’ realities.
Kamala Harris’s campaign has largely dismissed Trump’s charges, claiming that the vice president did actually work at McDonald’s as a college student in the early 1980s. Her team did not comment to Trump’s assertions, but Harris has used her experience at McDonald’s to highlight the challenges of average Americans and the working class. “Part of the reason I even talk about having worked at McDonald’s is because there are people who work at McDonald’s in our country who are trying to raise a family,” Harris said during a previous interview. “I worked there as a student.”
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Trump’s Long History with Fast Food
Donald Trump’s affinity for fast food is widely established. The previous president has stated his liking for fast-food restaurants such as McDonald’s due to their strict quality control. During his presidency, Obama famously delivered McDonald’s burgers and fries to the Clemson football team at the White House, and he frequently ordered meals from major chains while on the campaign trail.
His McDonald’s appearance was a deliberate attempt to connect with ordinary voters, many of whom have worked at a fast-food restaurant. Trump’s team confirmed the tactic, noting that the previous president wanted to appreciate the staff’s hard work. When questioned about his position on raising the minimum wage after witnessing McDonald’s employees at work, Trump reacted vaguely, saying, “These folks work hard. They’re fantastic,” without committing to any policy position.
Political Reactions and Public Sentiment
The choice to visit McDonald’s as part of the 2024 campaign elicited varied comments. While some saw it as a fun way to engage with people, others saw it as a ploy to divert attention away from more critical political matters. Jim Worthington, a local Trump supporter and fundraiser, arranged the visit, stating that he needed to assure the franchise owner, Derek Giacomantonio, that corporate approval was in place and that the event would not jeopardize the company’s reputation.
Meanwhile, Harris supporters claim that Trump’s antics only serve to exploit working people for political benefit, citing the contrast between his staged photo ops and Harris’ real-life experiences as a young worker.
As Election Day approaches, Trump’s strategy of combining politics with common American icons such as McDonald’s adds another layer to an already unpredictable contest. While it is unclear whether this event will impact undecided voters, it has clearly put McDonald’s, and hence America’s working class, into the national political debate.
