Share on FacebookFormer President Donald Trump made headlines again, this time by manning the fry station at a McDonald’s in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
The visit, which included handing out orders and answering questions through the drive-thru window, was part campaign stop, part publicity stunt. But there was an underlying motive—his ongoing attack on Vice President Kamala Harris’ claim that she worked at McDonald’s in college.
Despite offering no evidence, Trump has repeatedly suggested that Harris never held the job she’s spoken about on the campaign trail. Instead of addressing policy, his visit seemed more focused on undermining her personal history—a tactic he’s used against political opponents before.
Trump’s Fast Food Fascination
Trump has long been a vocal fan of fast food, frequently praising McDonald’s, Burger King, and KFC. His love for Big Macs and Filet-O-Fish sandwiches has even been well-documented, and he has said he trusts big chains because of their strict food safety standards.
During his visit, an employee demonstrated how to properly cook and serve fries, a process that Trump called “a beautiful thing.” Sporting an apron over his suit, he appeared to enjoy the moment, but the larger message of the stop was political theater.
After working the fryer, he turned the drive-thru window into a press conference podium, fielding questions from reporters. When asked about Harris’ 60th birthday, he said, “I think I’ll get her some flowers.” When pressed about raising the minimum wage, he dodged the question, instead praising McDonald’s employees as “hard-working” without committing to any policy changes.
A Familiar Tactic
Trump has a history of using false personal attacks to weaken his opponents. From pushing the birther conspiracy against Barack Obama to spreading misinformation about Nikki Haley’s eligibility to run for president, he often targets aspects of their background rather than debating policy.
His latest claim about Harris fits the pattern—a distraction wrapped in a viral moment. While his supporters see his fast-food visit as relatable, critics argue it’s just another example of his ability to dominate the news cycle with spectacle over substance.
The Takeaway
Trump’s McDonald’s stop was more than just a lighthearted campaign moment—it was a calculated effort to reinforce his political brand while sowing doubt about his opponent. Whether or not the stunt will sway voters remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Trump knows how to turn a simple burger run into a headline-grabbing event.
