McDonald’s Clarifies Its Position On The 2024 Election Following Trump’s Visit
McDonald’s has issued a statement clarifying where the American fast-food giant stands on the upcoming 2024 election following former President Donald Trump’s campaign stop at one of its restaurants over the weekend.
Trump on Sunday worked the fry station and handed out orders to supporters who were prescreened by the Secret Service at a McDonald’s location in Bucks County in Pennsylvania, a key battleground in this election. His visit was widely seen as a way to poke Vice President Kamala Harris, as the former president has baselessly claimed the Democratic nominee is lying about having worked for the company as a college student.
In an internal memo, McDonald’s made clear it’s not supporting either candidate in this election.
“McDonald’s does not endorse candidates for elected office and that remains true in this race for the next President. We are not red or blue — we are golden,” the company said. “Though we are not a political brand, we’ve been proud to hear former President Trump’s love for McDonald’s and Vice President Harris’s fond memories working under the Arches.”
The company explained the owner of that franchise, Derek Giacomantonio, was contacted by local law enforcement regarding Trump’s intention to visit a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania and welcomed the opportunity to host the former president at his restaurant.
McDonald’s greenlit the request, while noting that other franchisees have extended invitations to Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, to visit their locations.
“Upon learning of the former President’s request, we approached it through the lens of one of our core values: we open our doors to everyone,” the company said. “It’s with that same approach that franchisees have invited Vice President Harris and and Governor Walz to their restaurants, in order to share how McDonald’s provides meaningful pathways to economic opportunity and feeds and fosters local communities.”
During his McDonald’s visit, Trump dodged a question on whether he would be in favor of raising the minimum wage for workers across the country.
“Well, I think this: These people work hard,” he said. “They’re great. And I just saw something — a process that’s beautiful. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Harris seized on the opportunity to highlight her stark contrast to Trump on the issue.
“I absolutely believe we must raise minimum wage and that hardworking Americans, whether they’re working at McDonald’s or anywhere else, should have at least the ability to be able to take care of their family and take care of themselves in a way that allows them to actually be able to sustain their needs,” she told reporters Monday.
