McDonald's distances itself from Donald Trump's campaign visit

McDonald's is distancing itself from former President Donald Trump following his headline-grabbing stop at a Pennsylvania location where he pretended to work during a closed event attended by pre-vetted supporters.

The fast food giant clarified that it did not facilitate Trump's visit and “does not endorse candidates for elected office,” it confirmed to Quartz in an email. This principle also applies to the upcoming presidential election: “We are not red or blue – we are golden.”

The Feasterville franchise was closed to patrons during Sunday's staged photo op. People attending the drive-thru were pre-selected by both the franchise and the local Trump campaign team. The vehicles and the vehicles inside were also checked and searched.

Local franchisee Derek Giacomantonio received an inquiry from law enforcement regarding Trump's intention to visit the restaurant and stated that he planned to do so a few weeks before.

Giacomantonio, who began his career as a crew member nearly three decades ago, said as a small, independent business owner, it is vital “that we proudly open our doors to every visitor.” Approximately 95% of U.S. locations are independently owned and operated by franchisees.

During Trump's visit, he Fries servedThe transit worked, and briefly desired Happy birthday to co-presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Trump has previously made baseless claims aimed at discrediting Harris' claim that she worked for the chain in the 1980s.

Since then, the fast food giant has been at the center of the 2024 election discourse. As the election approaches and Pennsylvania is considered a key swing state, Trump has identified it as one Area of ​​focus.

During his visit to McDonald's in Feasterville, Trump remarked that he “wouldn't mind this job” and that he “maybe come back and do it again.”

The fast food giant said it invited Harris and her vice president, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, to visit one of its restaurants to showcase how McDonald's creates opportunities and supports local communities.