In the last stretch of his campaign for a third bid at the White House, Donald Trump made an unexpected stop at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania, bringing one of America’s most iconic fast-food chains into the political spotlight. Wearing an apron and working behind the counter, Trump served customers in the drive-thru, even joking that the meals were on him and that he had prepared them personally.
Trump’s visit comes as he continues to question Vice President Kamala Harris’ past employment at McDonald’s, a job she has referenced as part of her early life experiences. Harris worked at the fast-food chain during her time as a student, a detail she has mentioned in interviews and during her 2019 campaign for president. Her campaign has confirmed that she worked at a McDonald’s in Alameda, California, in the early 1980s.
Trump, however, has repeatedly cast doubt on Harris’ account, suggesting during campaign stops and interviews that her time at McDonald’s might not have occurred. During his visit to the Pennsylvania McDonald’s, Trump reiterated these doubts, stating, “I’ve always wanted to work at McDonald’s, but I never did. I’m running against somebody that said she did, but it turned out to be a totally phony story.”
While Harris’ team has not publicly responded to Trump’s comments, her McDonald’s experience has been a point of pride for her supporters, who often highlight her working-class background in contrast to Trump’s wealth. Harris has discussed her time at McDonald’s in interviews and public appearances, noting how it shaped her understanding of work and service.
Trump’s fondness for fast food is well known, and his stop at McDonald’s is not without precedent. During his presidency, he made headlines for serving fast food to championship athletes visiting the White House and has frequently cited his preference for fast food due to what he describes as its consistent quality.
This McDonald’s visit comes during the final days of Trump’s campaign, with both candidates focusing on outreach to working-class voters. Trump’s team has used the visit as an opportunity to reinforce his connection to everyday Americans, though some critics see his remarks about Harris as an unnecessary distraction from more pressing political issues.
As Election Day approaches, the candidates continue to focus on their contrasting personal stories, with Harris highlighting her experiences working at McDonald’s as part of her journey from student to public servant, while Trump emphasizes his background in business and his connection with middle America.
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