McDonald’s and Trump: A Frying Political Affair
By Our Sharp-Witted Comedy Team
Ah, McDonald’s—a place where you can grab a Big Mac, a milkshake, and now, apparently, a front-row seat to an improvised Trump rally! Yes, folks, it seems that the fast-food giant has just stirred the pot in a way that leaves a questionable aftertaste akin to a late-night kebab. Former President Donald Trump decided to don an apron and play fry cook in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania, this past weekend, turning a humble McDonald’s into the latest election battleground. Cue the fries and the fries!
But let’s set the record straight: McDonald’s had nothing to do with this presidential pit stop. Nope, no golden arches shining down on Trump as he served fries to excited supporters. The franchise operates independently, which means its owners can serve up political candidates just as easily as they serve up those world-famous potato chips. Just imagine that meeting: “So, should we invite Trump, or just stick to the regular Happy Meal?”
Interestingly enough, the company made it abundantly clear in an internal memo (which we imagine was written with a side of ketchup) that they did not endorse Trump or his frosty, golden locks of hair making a cameo at their establishment. They’re like, “We’re not red or blue – we’re gold!” Maybe they should add “and definitely not McFlurry-ing around with politics”!
What Happened at the Frying Pan—Err, I Mean, McDonald’s?
At the scene, Trump was seen dishing out food and flipping fries like he was trying to earn an honorary culinary degree, earning him a cool new title: Fryer-in-Chief! His appearance was reportedly pre-approved by the franchise owner, Derek Giacomantonio. Can you imagine the conversation? “Derek, I’ve got a great idea. Let me serve some fries, and you can make America sizzle again!” It’s like reality TV meets your neighborhood McDonald’s, and we’re all just here with popcorn—well, or a Sausage McMuffin.
However, not everyone is laughing. Customers and employees voiced their disdain for the political fast-food crossover, suggesting that next time they’d prefer their fries without a side of political drama. The McDonald’s letter defended Giacomantonio’s decision, arguing that their core value is to “open our doors to everyone.” So, to recap: Everyone can eat here, even if the burger bro serving you has a strange affinity for building walls and tweeting at 3 AM.
But wait, there’s more! It’s not the first time McDonald’s has stirred controversy. Remember the recent kerfuffle over an operator in Israel offering discounts to soldiers post-Oct. 7? Talk about a McNightmare! McDonald’s might want to draft up those election tool kits quicker—because frying up controversy isn’t exactly part of the Happy Meal, is it?
Still, amid the political ruckus, it’s crystal clear: McDonald’s is as political as any of us on Twitter post-midnight. Their branding might be attempting to dodge the red and blue by landing squarely in the gold, but in the political arena, it seems you’re either here for the fries or you’re just here for the fries!
And as the election heads into full swing faster than you can say, “Two all-beef patties,” we can’t help but wonder: Will we see more fast-food joints entering the political fray, or will this just be a “fry-fly by”? Only time—and perhaps a few more clever marketing strategies—will tell!
— A Roll of Laughter as We Watch This Frying Pan of Politics Unfold!
New York (CNN) – McDonald’s just burst onto the 2024 election scene, garnering special attention over the weekend when former President Donald Trump served fries at a location in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania. But McDonald’s had nothing to do with Trump’s visit.
The company operates a franchise model, meaning the vast majority of its locations are independently owned and operated. Although franchise owners have to adhere to certain guidelines in their agreements with the parent company, they are free to invite political candidates to serve fries without McDonald’s approval.
The company said Sunday in an internal statement to employees obtained by CNN that it did not invite Trump or the attention the election has brought him, but the company threaded the spotlight as proof that McDonald’s remains a key part of everyday American life for millions of people.
“As we have seen, our brand has been a topic of conversation in this election cycle. “While we have not sought this out, it is a testament to how much McDonald’s resonates with so many Americans,” the company said in its note. “McDonald’s does not endorse candidates for elected office and that remains true in this race for the next president. “We are not red or blue – we are gold.”
The letter was signed by McDonald’s president Joe Erlinger. Other signatories include McDonald’s chief financial officer and the area’s national president.
At the staged event, Trump put on an apron to work as a fryer’s assistant and distributed food to people in the establishment, which had been closed for the campaign stop.
McDonald’s said she was proud that Trump has often expressed his love for McDonald’s, and Harris spoke fondly of her time working at the company, which she has frequently referred to during her campaign and a saying that Trump has refuted without evidence. Harris says he worked briefly at the network during the summer of 1983, while he was still a student at Howard University in Washington.
Still, some McDonald’s customers and employees spoke out against the company following Trump’s visit, criticizing McDonald’s for allowing the Republican presidential candidate to campaign at a restaurant.
The company clarified in its note that Derek Giacomantonio, owner and operator of the franchise, was approached by local authorities about Trump’s desire to visit the location and Giacomantonio accepted.
“He was proud to highlight how he and his team serve their local community and make delicious food, like our world-famous potato chips,” the company said. “Upon learning of the former president’s request, we approached it through the lens of one of our core values: we open our doors to everyone.”
Franchising is a key part of McDonald’s business, with approximately 95% of all McDonald’s locations being run by franchised operators. Operators pay a fee to use the McDonald’s brand and to have access to its expertise. They also help pay for other expenses, such as restaurant renovations.
The company has had issues with franchising in the past, most notably after a McDonald’s operator in Israel offered discounts to soldiers and security forces following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. After news of the promotion spread on social media, many customers began boycotting McDonald’s in Muslim-majority countries, to the point that McDonald’s has cited boycotts in the Middle East in its earnings reports as a drag on its business in recent quarters.
Starbucks also ran afoul of its union last year after reports circulated online that stores were banning Pride displays. The company had no official policy on this, nor evidence that it was happening widely. But some franchises reportedly chose not to allow employees to decorate stores with Pride flags and other symbols, despite the company’s stated support for LGBTQ+ rights.
The company later clarified its policy on Pride displays.
Similarly, McDonald’s stated that the chain has “election tool kits” to deal with events like this.
– CNN’s Katelyn Polantz contributed to this report.
