McDonald’s has taken a step back following former President Donald Trump’s widely publicized stop at a Pennsylvania branch, where he appeared to play the role of an employee during a private event filled with pre-screened supporters.
The fast-food giant quickly responded to the media buzz, clarifying that it had no involvement in Trump’s visit. In an email sent to Quartz, McDonald’s emphasized that it “does not endorse candidates for elected office.”
This non-partisan stance is one the company maintains, even as the 2024 presidential race approaches, reaffirming its policy by stating, “We are not red or blue — we are golden.”
Derek Giacomantonio, the local franchise owner of the Feasterville McDonald’s where the event took place, shared his views on the occasion.
Giacomantonio, who began his career with McDonald’s as a crew member nearly thirty years ago, stressed the importance of inclusivity, stating, “As a small, independent business owner, it is fundamental that we proudly open our doors to everyone who visits.”
In fact, about 95% of McDonald’s restaurants in the U.S. are owned and operated by independent franchisees, further distancing the corporate chain from the actions of individual outlets.
At Trump’s staged visit, the former president participated in several customer service activities, such as serving fries and working the drive-thru.
In a brief moment, he even wished his political rival, Kamala Harris, a happy birthday, despite his previous baseless claims questioning her past employment at the fast-food chain during the 1980s. This visit has since placed McDonald’s in the center of conversations surrounding the 2024 presidential election.
With the election fast approaching, Pennsylvania remains a key battleground, and Trump’s visit highlights his focus on this swing state.
During his appearance at the Feasterville McDonald’s, Trump made a light-hearted remark, joking that he “wouldn’t mind this job” and that he “might come back and do it again,” adding a bit of humor to the already buzzing atmosphere.
However, it’s important to note that this was not a standard public event. The Feasterville McDonald’s was closed to its regular customers for the day, and the event was carefully managed.
Attendees in the drive-thru lane were pre-selected by both the franchise and Trump’s local campaign team, and the cars were subject to searches, as were the individuals inside.
Giacomantonio revealed that he had been approached by law enforcement a few weeks prior, notifying him of Trump’s intention to visit the restaurant.
Despite the national attention the visit garnered, McDonald’s made it clear that this was not an event orchestrated by the corporation itself.
In a move to demonstrate their neutral stance, McDonald’s has also extended an invitation to Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, to visit one of their locations.
This gesture aims to highlight how McDonald’s fosters community support and creates opportunities for local residents, showcasing its ongoing efforts to remain politically neutral.
