FEASTERVILLE, Pa. — In a campaign stop that was anything but your typical Sunday brunch, former President Donald Trump traded his usual rallies for a stint flipping fries at a McDonald’s in Feasterville, Pennsylvania. This appearance, just a couple of weeks shy of Election Day, wasn’t just about serving up fast food; it was a strategic move in a critical battleground state, seasoned with a side of political jabs aimed at Vice President Kamala Harris.
The McDonald’s franchise, located in the Philadelphia area, became a campaign stage on Sunday. Normal business operations were paused, and the drive-thru lane was transformed into a carefully curated photo opportunity. According to sources familiar with the event, customers were pre-selected by the franchise and the local Trump campaign team. Adding to the unusual scene, vehicles underwent screening and searches, and individuals were checked with wands before approaching the drive-thru.
Donald Trump examines french fry packaging at McDonald's during campaign stop in Pennsylvania.
This carefully orchestrated campaign visit was designed to directly challenge Vice President Harris, who has previously spoken about her experiences working at McDonald’s during her youth. Harris’s past remarks about her fast-food job have become a point of contention. Trump has repeatedly, and without evidence, accused Harris of fabricating or exaggerating her McDonald’s experience to bolster her working-class image.
During his appearance at the Feasterville McDonald’s, Trump reiterated these unsubstantiated claims. He referenced Harris’s past comments, stating, “It was a big part of her resume that she worked at McDonald’s — how tough a job it was.” He continued his critique, saying, “She … made the french fries, and she talked about the heat: ‘It was so tough.’ She’s never worked at McDonald’s.”
In response to Trump’s accusations, Harris spokesperson Ian Sams issued a statement to NBC News, dismissing Trump’s remarks as desperate and dishonest. Sams stated, “When Trump feels desperate, all he knows how to do is lie. He can’t understand what it’s like to have a summer job because he was handed millions on a silver platter, only to blow it.” Harris’s campaign maintains that she worked at a McDonald’s in Alameda, California, during the summer of 1983 while a student at Howard University, working at the register, as well as operating the french fry and ice cream machines.
Derek Giacomantonio, the owner and operator of the Feasterville McDonald’s location, explained his decision to host the Trump campaign event. In a statement, Giacomantonio emphasized inclusivity, stating, “it is a fundamental value of my organization that we proudly open our doors to everyone who visits the Feasterville community.”
Trump’s affinity for fast food is well-documented. Notably, during the 2019 government shutdown, he famously served a White House feast of McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, and Domino’s pizza on silver platters to the visiting national college football champion Clemson Tigers.
Former President Trump frying french fries at McDonald's in Feasterville, Pennsylvania.
For about half an hour on Sunday, Trump swapped his suit jacket for a McDonald’s apron and received a quick lesson from a fry cook. He then took his turn at the fryer, dropping two batches of potatoes into the hot oil and overseeing their cooking. While mostly following instructions, he reportedly missed draining the oil completely from one batch and was observed being quite generous with the salt.
Trump expressed considerable fascination with the process of packaging french fries, particularly the scooper-like tool used. He remarked on the hygiene of the process, noting, “Never touched by a human hand. Nice and clean.”
Moving from the fryer to the drive-thru window, Trump took on the role of order filler and greeter, interacting with customers as they drove through. He acknowledged the unusual nature of the event, joking, “This is not a normal situation, is it?” He then informed customers that their meals were on him, boasting that he had personally made their fries. “There will be no charge,” he announced. “Trump is paying for it. … This is all on Trump, am I allowed to do that?”
Several customers greeted Trump with his signature “Make America Great Again” slogan as they passed through the drive-thru. Trump seemed to enjoy the experience, commenting, “I wouldn’t mind this job. I like this job. I would come back and do it again.”
Donald Trump serving customers at the McDonald's drive-thru window during campaign event.
In addition to serving drive-thru customers, Trump also served fries to and answered questions from the assembled press. He notably avoided giving a direct answer when asked about raising the federal minimum wage. At one point, observing an employee filling fry bags, he playfully commented on portion sizes, “Oh, you’re very stingy with the product. Look at that. She’s a good worker. That’s the kind of people you want to have. She gave them one french fry for 30 reporters.”
Towards the end of his McDonald’s appearance, Trump was informed that it was Vice President Harris’s 60th birthday. His response was a somewhat ambiguous, “I think I’ll get her some flowers. Maybe I’ll get her some fries.”
This campaign stop at McDonald’s provided a visually engaging and newsworthy event, allowing Trump to connect with voters in Pennsylvania while simultaneously reigniting his criticism of Kamala Harris, all centered around the seemingly simple act of serving french fries.
