McDonald’s has found itself at the center of the 2024 US presidential election after former President Donald Trump made a surprise visit to a location in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania, where he served fries to customers.
However, McDonald’s was quick to clarify that it had no involvement in organizing Trump’s visit, citing its franchise model that allows independent owners to operate their locations as they see fit ¹.
In fact, the company emphasized that it doesn’t endorse any political candidates and remains neutral in the election. In an internal memo, McDonald’s stated, “We are not red or blue – we are golden” ¹.
This stance was reinforced by McDonald’s President Joe Erlinger, who signed off on the memo along with the entire US senior leadership team.
The visit itself was a staged event, with Trump donning an apron to work as a fry attendant and handing out food to customers at the closed location.
Interestingly, Trump has often expressed his fondness for McDonald’s, while Vice President Kamala Harris has also spoken about her brief stint working at the chain during her college days ¹ ².
However, not everyone was pleased with Trump’s visit, with some McDonald’s customers and employees speaking out against the company for allowing the Republican presidential candidate to campaign at the restaurant ¹.
In response, McDonald’s explained that the franchise owner, Derek Giacomantonio, was approached by local law enforcement about Trump’s desire to visit and had accepted the request ¹.
Giacomantonio welcomed the opportunity to showcase his team’s community service and delicious food, highlighting McDonald’s core value of opening its doors to everyone ¹.
Despite the controversy, McDonald’s sees its involvement in the election as a testament to its enduring presence in everyday American life ¹.
