In a recent campaign stop at a McDonald’s in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania, Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, made headlines by working at the fast-food restaurant. Trump served as the fry cook for about five minutes and spent an additional fifteen minutes interacting with reporters at the drive-thru window, where he praised the staff and took questions.
This staged event was designed to highlight his connection to everyday Americans and included a photo opportunity with motorists who had been screened by the U.S. Secret Service.
Capitalizing on the viral nature of his visit, Trump has launched a “MAGADonald’s” campaign t-shirt featuring an image of himself at the drive-thru. The merchandise is marketed with a cheeky slogan proclaiming, “I am the first and only 2024 presidential nominee to work at McDonald’s.”
However, the campaign website has noted that the shirts are no longer available, adding a layer of exclusivity to the merchandise. This move aims to engage supporters while leveraging the cultural phenomenon of his McDonald’s visit.
Donald Trump Works at McDonald’s in Pennsylvania to Connect with Voters and Launches ‘MAGADonald’s’ Merchandise
Trump’s fast-food encounter appears to be a strategic response to Vice President Kamala Harris, who has previously claimed she worked at McDonald’s during her college years.
Harris’s own connection to the chain has been a talking point for her, as she visited a Las Vegas McDonald’s in 2019 to advocate for a $15 minimum wage. Trump, who has previously challenged the authenticity of Harris’s claims about her employment at McDonald’s, has not provided evidence for his assertions.
In a video shared on social media platform X, Trump expressed a desire to work at McDonald’s, stating, “I’m looking for a job, and I always wanted to work at McDonald’s. I never did.”
This comment has sparked further debate about authenticity and the motivations behind such campaign gestures. The ongoing rivalry between Trump and Harris continues to manifest in their respective narratives about working-class experiences.
Tim Walz, Harris’s vice presidential candidate, criticized Trump’s approach during an appearance on “The View,” emphasizing that both he and Harris grew up in middle-class families and genuinely understand the struggles of working Americans.
Walz highlighted that Harris’s past employment at McDonald’s was not merely a publicity stunt but part of her life experience. He further argued that Trump’s policies have detrimental effects on workers, contrasting his staged antics with Harris’s sincere advocacy for labor rights and economic fairness.
