Former President Donald Trump made a notable appearance at a McDonald’s in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, serving french fries while targeting Vice President Kamala Harris under the pretense of a campaign event just weeks before the election. During the photo opportunity, the restaurant was closed to regular customers; instead, attendees had been selected by Trump’s campaign team. The event was closely controlled, with cars screened and individuals wanded before entering the drive-thru. Trump’s visit appeared to be a calculated move to mock Harris, who had previously claimed to have worked at a McDonald’s during her youth—a part of her narrative aimed at showcasing her humble beginnings and connection to working-class Americans.
Trump reiterated unfounded allegations that Harris had fabricated her employment history at McDonald’s, specifically recounting her statements about the challenges of the job. He dismissed her claims, saying, “She’s never worked at McDonald’s,” reflecting his broader strategy to undermine her credibility. The Vice President’s spokesperson, Ian Sams, fired back, accusing Trump of routinely lying and showcasing his distance from the realities of ordinary Americans, as he has lived a life of affluence disconnected from the everyday struggles of the workforce. Harris has maintained that she worked at a McDonald’s location in Alameda, California, during the summer of 1983, handling various tasks while balancing her education at Howard University.
The event at the McDonald’s was not just a playful stunt; it had deeper political implications as it unfolded in a critical battleground state, highlighting Trump’s ongoing efforts to rally support. Derek Giacomantonio, the franchise’s owner, expressed his view that participating in the event was about community and welcoming visitors. Trump’s rapport with fast food is well-established, marking a stark contrast between his lifestyle and that of everyday workers, which was further emphasized by a previous incident where he served fast food to college athletes at the White House during a government shutdown.
As he donned an apron for the occasion, Trump engaged directly in the fast-food preparation process, making fries with a fry cook’s guidance. His humorous commentary included observations about how the fries were packaged “never touched by a human hand,” displaying a mix of genuine curiosity and lighthearted self-promotion. Trump showcased this role reversal as a form of entertainment, calling it an enjoyable experience. Additionally, he interactively served customers at the drive-thru, declaring that their food would be on him, suggesting a whimsical approach to his responsibilities that momentarily transformed him into a fast-food employee.
Throughout the event, Trump’s engagement with customers highlighted the blending of politics and personal experience, as supporters shouted his campaign slogans while he offered compliments to the restaurant’s staff. Interestingly, he danced around a question from reporters regarding whether the federal minimum wage should be raised, instead opting to draw attention to the employees’ work ethic. His declarations, paired with impromptu commentary, further emphasized his populist appeal, as he framed the moment as a genuine interaction with constituents ahead of the upcoming election.
As the day concluded, the occasion took on even more notoriety when Trump acknowledged that it was Harris’s 60th birthday, joking he might send her fries or flowers. This interaction served to both bring levity to a serious political contest and underline Trump’s animosity toward Harris, who remains a significant figure in the upcoming elections. The event at McDonald’s symbolized the larger contest between the two political figures, showcasing not only their contrasting styles but also the pervasive strategy of political humor in shaping narratives during a polarized election season.
