Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, participated in an unconventional campaign stop in Pennsylvania on Sunday by working at a McDonald’s fry station before conducting a spontaneous news conference through the drive-thru window.
During his visit, Trump was shown by a McDonald’s employee how to prepare fries by dunking them in oil, salting them, and boxing them using a scoop. Known for his fondness of fast food and concerns about germs, he expressed surprise that direct contact with the fries wasn’t needed.
Trump, wearing an apron over his usual attire, commented on the skill required for the task, remarking that it needed expertise to be performed quickly and correctly.
This visit is part of Trump’s efforts to counter narratives from Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, who has shared stories of her college days working at a fast-food chain. Trump has cast doubt on her account without providing evidence.
A large crowd gathered at the McDonald’s in Feasterville-Trevose, located in Bucks County, a crucial swing area near Philadelphia. Later in the day, Trump planned to participate in a town hall in Lancaster and attend the Pittsburgh Steelers’ game against the New York Jets.
After distributing takeout orders to drive-thru customers, Trump addressed the press while still wearing the apron. He reiterated his stance on the upcoming election, promising to respect the results if they were fair, despite his history of disputing his 2020 election loss.
In a jestful exchange with the press, he mentioned a birthday greeting to Harris and the possibility of sending her flowers.
When asked about raising the minimum wage after observing McDonald’s employees, Trump did not provide a definitive answer but acknowledged the employees’ hard work.
Finally, as aides urged him to move on to his next engagement, Trump humorously commented on the unusual setting for a news conference.
Trump has repeatedly questioned Harris’s claims about her college job at McDonald’s, alleging that she never worked there, a claim he has not substantiated. The vice president has refuted these accusations, maintaining her account of working at the fast-food chain during her college years, emphasizing the significance of such work for many Americans.
Throughout his career, Trump has a history of making unsubstantiated claims against his political rivals, particularly targeting women and minorities. These have included questioning Barack Obama’s citizenship and making unfounded assertions about Ted Cruz’s family and Nikki Haley’s eligibility for presidency.
Trump’s recent campaign in Pennsylvania drew significant attention, with local authorities closing roads around the McDonald’s to manage the crowd. Supporters gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of him, creating a lively atmosphere with honking horns and music.
John Waters, a local resident, expressed his excitement at the prospect of seeing Trump, noting the significant turnout and traffic as signs of his arrival.
Trump has often stated his preference for established fast-food chains like McDonald’s, citing their reputation, and frequently opts for McDonald’s meals during travel.
Barrett Marson, a Republican strategist, commented on the campaign’s focus on an old claim about McDonald’s, finding it an unusual diversion from more pressing issues like the economy and immigration, which are typically of more interest to voters.
