Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President, spent some time behind the counter at a McDonald’s in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania, on October 20, 2024. During his visit, he operated a fry cooker and worked the drive-thru line, utilizing the occasion to criticize his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.
McDonald’s has emphasized its intention to remain neutral in the upcoming presidential election. In an internal communication, the company stated, “Our brand has been a fixture of conversation in this election cycle… McDonald’s does not endorse candidates for elected office and that remains true in this race for the next President.” This message follows a recent surge in political discourse surrounding the fast-food chain’s association with high-profile figures.
Trump has frequently accused Harris of fabricating her claims about working at McDonald’s during her youth, a charge she has denied and which he has not substantiated with evidence. The company has clarified that it does not possess extensive employment records dating back to the 1980s, when Harris supposedly worked there.
While acknowledging the political attention, McDonald’s expressed its commitment to serving all customers. Franchisee Derek Giacomantonio remarked, “It is a fundamental value of my organization that we proudly open our doors to everyone who visits the Feasterville community,” explaining why he welcomed Trump’s visit.
Although McDonald’s publicly supported the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, the company has aimed to position itself as apolitical to avoid alienating customers. This mirrors a broader trend among businesses distancing themselves from political initiatives. According to a recent Gallup-University of Bentley study, only 38% of U.S. adults support businesses taking public stances on political issues, a decrease from 48% in 2022.
In addition to the political controversies, McDonald’s has faced scrutiny regarding its pricing, with critics pointing to high menu costs. This has led to Republicans linking the price increases to the Biden administration’s economic policies. To address these concerns, McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger released an open letter clarifying the company’s pricing strategy.