The White House has recently unveiled a unique approach to promote President Trump’s spending proposals through a livestreamed animated video, showcasing a cartoon version of Trump at a McDonald’s setting. Titled “One Big Beautiful Lo-Fi MAGA Video to Relax / Study to,” the video features an animated Trump working at the fryers while groovy lo-fi beats play in the background.
As viewers watch, text on the right of the screen highlights the purported benefits of Trump’s spending initiatives, referred to as the “Big Beautiful Bill.” The proposals claim to “restore fiscal sanity,” “secure our borders,” and “modernize air traffic control,” among other objectives. This creative yet unconventional promotional method is reminiscent of a similar livestream the Trump administration launched earlier in May, where a cartoon Trump animatedly worked at his Resolute Desk with a scrolling list of campaign promises.
This cartoonish method of self-promotion isn’t exclusive to Trump; it echoes a strategy used by former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who introduced a “lo fi boriswave” stream aimed at promoting Brexit while connecting with younger voters in 2019.
Interestingly, this new video references Trump’s earlier attempt at relatable campaigning, where he donned a McDonald’s uniform during a staged visit in Pennsylvania, handing out fries to vetted supporters without engaging with any actual customers. Additionally, the livestream includes scenes of the animated Trump raising an American flag outside the White House, alluding to his recent installation of a pair of flagpoles, which he presented as a “gift” to the nation.
This creative approach, while unconventional, taps into the popular culture of lo-fi music streams, signaling an innovative attempt to engage a wider audience, particularly among younger Americans who might connect with the playful visuals and relaxed atmosphere. It merges a whimsical animation aesthetic with serious campaign messages, an example of how political outreach is evolving in today’s digital landscape.