Donald Trump is using one of America’s most iconic brands—McDonald’s—as a political tool in the closing days of his latest bid for the White House. On a campaign stop in Pennsylvania, Trump visited a McDonald’s franchise, where he donned an apron, worked the fry station, and served food through the drive-thru window. He joked with customers, claiming to have personally prepared their meals and even offered to cover the bill.
The stunt was part of Trump’s effort to cast doubt on Vice President Kamala Harris’ claim that she once worked at McDonald’s. Harris has frequently mentioned her summer job at the fast-food chain during her first campaign for president, using it to highlight her middle-class upbringing. Trump, however, has repeatedly questioned the authenticity of her story, despite no evidence to the contrary.
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At the event, Trump told the restaurant owner, “I’ve always wanted to work at McDonald’s,” while suggesting that Harris’ account of her own McDonald’s employment was fabricated. Harris’ campaign has not commented on Trump’s allegations, and the Vice President has largely ignored the accusations.
The visit to McDonald’s follows a similar stop Trump made earlier in his campaign in East Palestine, Ohio, after a train derailment. Trump’s fondness for fast food is well known, and he has previously stated that he prefers McDonald’s for its quality control, once even serving a fast-food feast to the Clemson national championship football team at the White House.
Though Trump’s McDonald’s stop is part of his broader strategy to challenge his opponents’ personal histories, Harris’ supporters have pushed back by highlighting her time at the chain as part of her middle-class origins. Democratic allies have contrasted Harris’ work at McDonald’s with Trump’s wealth, emphasizing her connection to everyday Americans.
Trump’s accusations against Harris echo his previous unfounded attacks on other political figures, including questioning Barack Obama’s citizenship and spreading conspiracy theories about Ted Cruz’s father.
In interviews, Trump has suggested that Harris’ McDonald’s story is more than a small detail, calling it a "huge lie" and arguing that it should not be overlooked.
