Donald Trump worked the fry station at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s during a campaign stop, reigniting his criticism of Kamala Harris and connecting with swing-state voters.
Former President Donald Trump made an unexpected campaign stop in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, where he donned a McDonald’s uniform and worked the fry station, fueling a viral moment online. The event, which took place in a swing district northeast of Philadelphia, was part of Trump’s continued efforts to connect with everyday Americans ahead of the upcoming election.
Trump visits a McDonalds in Pennsylvania.pic.twitter.com/fKPlWDIY9c
— TFTC (@TFTC21) October 20, 2024
As Trump disembarked from his plane, he told reporters, “I’m going for a job right now at McDonald’s,” adding, “I really wanted to do this all my life.” The former president swapped his suit for a McDonald’s apron and worked behind the counter, preparing and serving French fries to customers, including through the drive-through window. Trump’s hands-on approach came as part of a broader strategy to showcase his relatability to working-class Americans.
The visit also reignited Trump’s criticism of Vice President Kamala Harris, who has previously claimed she worked at McDonald’s during her college years at Howard University. Trump and his supporters have cast doubt on Harris’s statements, accusing her of fabricating her past employment. “I’ve worked 15 minutes more than Kamala,” Trump quipped during his McDonald’s shift.
The McDonald’s franchise owner, Derek Giacomantonio, welcomed Trump’s visit. In a statement, he said, “It is a fundamental value of my organization that we proudly open our doors to everyone who visits the Feasterville community,” adding that he accepted Trump’s request to observe the experience of working at McDonald’s—a job held by 1 in 8 Americans.
Trump’s appearance at the fast-food chain triggered a social media storm, with supporters and critics alike reacting to images and videos of the former president behind the fry cooker. Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk posted a video on X showing supporters lined up outside the restaurant. “This movement is unlike any other,” he said.
Harris campaign spokesman Ian Sams said, “When Trump feels desperate, all he knows how to do is lie. He can’t understand what it’s like to have a summer job because he was handed millions on a silver platter, only to blow it.”
