Staff Reports
McDonald’s has once again proven it knows how to flip the script, and this time it did so with a side of fries. The fast-food behemoth welcomed former President Donald Trump to one of its Pennsylvania locations, but before anyone gets jumpy about endorsements, the company took the time to clarify that it’s not on the Trump Train—at least, not in a political sense. Apparently, McDonald’s wants everyone to know it’s just there for the burgers and not the ballots.
During his visit, Trump donned an apron, manned the fry station, and took questions from the drive-thru window like a true blue-collar candidate. It’s a sight that would make Ronald McDonald proud—unless of course he’s a staunch Kamala Harris fan, in which case he might be throwing his oversized shoes in frustration. The restaurant was locked down for the event, ensuring that no rogue fries or political debates interrupted the former president’s attempts at flipping patties and answering questions.
McDonald's insists it isn't endorsing a presidential candidate after Trump event https://t.co/VAGpAB9Fdn
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) October 21, 2024
As for McDonald’s corporate bigwigs, they made a show of promoting their “core value” of inclusivity, which apparently means letting any presidential hopeful under the arches as long as they don’t officially campaign for burgers. Their stance is clear: they employ neither red nor blue but prefer to keep things golden. It’s like declaring a company party for all while making it very clear that you aren’t picking sides—kind of hard to miss the other side of the aisle when you’re grilling burgers, though.
This media frenzy isn’t limited to Trump. McDonald’s franchise owners have reportedly opened their doors to the likes of Vice President Harris and her running mate, Governor Tim Walz, which could be seen as a bid to keep both sides of the political buffet happy. Meanwhile, both Trump and Harris have found themselves intertwined with the fast-food joint in a way that could only lead to more headlines and none of the actual fast food indigestion.
Social media, ever the hallmark of public opinion, exploded with calls to boycott McDonald’s in the wake of Trump’s visit. It seems some individuals are quite upset that their favorite burger joint dared to associate with a former president. But experts, in the spirit of cold realization, predict that the backlash likely won’t put a dent in McDonald’s business model. After all, who can resist a Big Mac, even if it’s served with a side of political anger?
In the end, it might just be a win-win for the burger chain. McDonald’s not only snagged headlines, but it also gave Trump a chance to ditch the suit for an apron—going for that relatable, everyman vibe that many politicians desperately try to nail. Maybe the true message here isn’t just about burgers and fries, but rather about how to keep the American people engaged while still serving up their all-time favorites.
