Key Takeaways:
– Donald Trump visited a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania during his campaign.
– McDonald’s affirms neutral position in the presidential race.
– Trump utilized the visit to accuse Kamala Harris of lying about her employment with the brand in her 20s.
– Fast-food giant and the franchise maintain an open door policy.
– The brand faces criticism over perceived inflation of their prices.
Trump’s Unexpected Stop at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s
Republican presidential nominee and previous U.S. President, Donald Trump, put on the Mickey D’s visor and worked the fryer at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania on October 20, 2024. The unusual visit to the fast food restaurant turned many heads, sparking conversations across the nation. However, McDonald’s seeks to maintain its neutrality despite this political affiliation.
McDonald’s Affirms Non-Partisan Stance
According to an internal message, the company is committed to maintaining a neutral stance in regards to the election. It emphasizes its disinterest in endorsing any political candidate, maintaining that their brand’s involvement in the election is not a direct pursuit, rather due to their nation-wide recognition and reach.
As part of his effort to earn the common man’s vote, Trump manned the drive-thru line as well as operated a fry cooker during his brief shift in the Feasterville, Pennsylvania outlet.
Trump’s Accusations and McDonald’s Response
Trump’s visit wasn’t purely fun and fast food. He utilized the opportunity to further accuse his presidential race adversary, Vice President Kamala Harris, of lying about her past employment with the food chain. According to Trump, Harris falsely claimed to have worked for McDonald’s during one summer in her twenties.
However, the claims remain unsubstantiated and Harris has consistently denied the accusation. According to McDonald’s, they don’t possess complete employment records dating back to the eighties, the period when Harris would have supposedly worked there.
While maintaining their neutral stance, McDonald’s did express pride for their fond call-outs from both Trump and Harris.
The Brand’s Open Door Policy
Despite the former president’s controversial visit, McDonald’s and the franchisee running the Feasterville outlet reiterated that they welcome everyone to their chain. Franchise owner Derek Giacomantonio, emphasized this perspective, reasoning that it formed the basis of his decision to agree to Trump’s visit to the store.
McDonald’s in the Face of Controversy
Like other corporate establishments, McDonald’s is following the trend of distancing themselves from politics, an effort geared towards avoiding any customer alienation. However, this hasn’t rid the company of controversy.
Earlier this year, McDonald’s was embroiled in a social media dispute over its pricing. Viral posts cited exorbitant prices, including an $18 cost for a Big Mac meal at a particular Connecticut outlet. Further claims suggested that the prices had seen over a double growth over a period of five years.
Republicans, looking for leverage, have sought to relate this alleged price hike to current President Biden’s economic policy. In an effort to quell the rising tide, McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger issued an open letter addressing the issue, backed by fact sheets on the company’s pricing.
While the dust seems to have settled for now, it’s clear that this symbolic fast food giant continues to play a fascinating if unintentional, role in American politics. Regardless of the outcome of the presidential race, or the fluctuation of burger prices, the Golden Arches will continue to serve as a robust symbol of Americana. The neutrality claim of McDonald’s underlines the careful balance many brands are trying to strike in this politically charged climate.