‘Just Put the Fries in the Bag, Bro’: Donald Trump at McDonald’s

While most people worked a minimum wage service job in their teenage years for extra cash, former president and billionaire Donald Trump is voluntarily taking on this endeavor this Sunday at the country’s most recognizable fast food chain: McDonald’s. Already one of the highest-grossing fast food restaurants, McDonald’s will now have a familiar face behind the counter. If you happen to be in Bucks County, PA, this weekend, Trump himself has confirmed the rumors that he could be the one responsible for your fries’ crispiness. 

The reason for this upcoming stint at Mickey D’s has to do with the upcoming presidential election. When Vice President Kamala Harris was growing up, she claims to have worked at McDonald’s. Yet, Trump has questioned Harris’ testimony of her humble beginnings in calling her fast food experience a lie earlier in September: “It was a fake story; the press now refuses to write it because it’s so, you know, this is a simple one. She said she worked at McDonald’s and she didn’t… It was a lie.” Whether or not Harris’ account of her summer job is accurate—no evidence has been put forward supporting or denying this claim—Trump has made his stance on the matter clear multiple times. Harris has talked about her McDonald’s job as a way to present herself as having working-class roots, but Trump seeks to contrast this humble portrayal by scheduling his very own first shift at McDonald’s. 

So, why did Trump choose a Philadelphia suburb for his McDonald’s appearance? The New York Times has listed Pennsylvania as one of eight swing states this election, as has The Jefferson Independent. As the race for presidency draws nearer, these states are becoming more and more critical for victory. Personal appearances from the candidates could help voters in Pennsylvania make their decisions on whom to choose. 

While a previous campaign visit in Pennsylvania proved quite memorable for Trump—the infamous assassination attempt that left his ear grazed and the political world reeling—Trump returns to the battleground state in a much quieter fashion. Instead of another large campaign rally, this unorthodox McDonald’s approach may bring some unsure Pennsylvanians to his side, for it is rare to see such a high-profile politician working a blue collar job? On the flip side, this approach could flop and be seen as nothing more than a publicity stunt. Whether or not this stint will prove effective in gaining more support, Trump’s trip to McDonald’s certainly adds an unexpected alternative to a normal rally and an effort to resonate with American voters.