Trump’s Surprise Visit to McDonald’s: A Fry Cook for a Day

On a sunny Sunday in Pennsylvania, former President and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump made an unexpected appearance at a local McDonald’s, where he took on the role of fry cook, stirring up media buzz and public interest. This visit was strategically timed as Trump aimed to challenge the claims made by Democratic nominee Kamala Harris regarding her past employment at the fast-food chain.

With a grin on his face, Trump donned an apron over his suit and tie, demonstrating a playful spirit as he learned the ropes of the fry station from an employee. “It requires great expertise, actually, to do it right and to do it fast,” he remarked, displaying a surprisingly jovial demeanor as he dunked baskets of fries into hot oil, salted them, and packed them into boxes.

The McDonald’s location in Feasterville-Trevose, a significant area for swing voters in Pennsylvania, was temporarily closed to the public for Trump’s visit, which sparked some controversy online. A notice was posted at the restaurant’s entrance, indicating it would remain closed until 4 p.m. local time to “accommodate a visit at the request of former President Trump and his campaign.”

After serving takeout bags to customers waiting in the drive-thru, Trump leaned out of the window, still wearing his apron, to engage with reporters stationed outside. In a lighthearted moment, he joked about getting ice cream for one reporter and, when asked about his message to Harris on her 60th birthday, he replied, “I would say, ‘Happy Birthday, Kamala,’” adding, “I think I’ll get her some flowers.”

Trump’s Claims Against Harris

Trump has recently fixated on Harris’s narrative of working at McDonald’s during her university days. He has repeatedly asserted, without providing any evidence, that she fabricated her job experience at the popular fast-food chain. The vice president has firmly rebutted these claims in various interviews, emphasizing her experience working behind the cash register and preparing fries as a student. “Part of the reason I even talk about having worked at McDonald’s is because there are people who work at McDonald’s in our country who are trying to raise a family,” she stated. “I worked there as a student.”

Despite Trump’s assertions, representatives from McDonald’s have not confirmed the existence of employment records dating back four decades. Trump’s history of making unsubstantiated claims about his opponents, particularly targeting women and minorities, has drawn criticism over the years.

Community Response and McDonald’s Owner’s Statement

The local McDonald’s owner, Derek Giacomantonio, publicly expressed his commitment to welcoming everyone in the Feasterville community, stating, “It is a fundamental value of my organization that we proudly open our doors to everyone who visits the Feasterville community.” He explained that he accepted Trump’s request to observe the transformative experience that many Americans have had: working at McDonald’s.

Trump has long been a fan of McDonald’s, particularly enjoying their Big Macs and Filet-o-Fish sandwiches. He has often mentioned his preference for large chains over smaller eateries, citing their reliability due to their established reputations. His staff frequently brings McDonald’s on board for meals while traveling on his plane.

A Local Supporter’s Role in the Visit

Jim Worthington, a staunch Trump supporter and fundraiser who owns a nearby athletic complex, played a crucial role in facilitating the visit. He coordinated with Trump’s campaign to find a suitable McDonald’s location in Pennsylvania. Worthington reached out to Giacomantonio through a mutual acquaintance, easing the franchise owner’s initial apprehensions about the potential backlash of being associated with Trump’s visit.

“He certainly had concerns, but I eased his mind and talked to him about the benefits,” Worthington shared, highlighting his efforts to reassure Giacomantonio about the positive impact the visit could have on the community.

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