Former President Donald Trump briefly manned the fry station at a McDonald's franchise Sunday, in a carefully orchestrated campaign event that showcased his appeal to working-class voters while avoiding questions about wage policies, The Washington Post reports.
The Republican presidential nominee spent about 20 minutes at the restaurant, which was closed to the public. He interacted with pre-screened supporters at the drive-through window and fielded questions from reporters.
When asked about accepting the 2024 election results, Trump responded, "Sure, if it's a fair election," consistent with his previous statements.
HAPPENING NOW: President Trump is killing it on his first day on the job at McDonalds. Perfectly salted hot crispy fries. pic.twitter.com/DTH2cdGkEI
— Bad Hombre (@joma_gc) October 20, 2024
Trump deflected a question about raising the minimum wage, instead praising the workers: "These people work hard. They're great. And I just saw something – a process that's beautiful."
According to The Washington Post, McDonald's workers earn an average of $13 to $15 per hour nationwide. In Pennsylvania, which follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, fast-food workers average $13.20 per hour.
The visit occurred amid ongoing pressure from labor activists on fast-food chains to increase wages. Derek Giacomantonio, the franchisee hosting Trump's visit, has previously faced calls to raise wages and lobbied against expanding overtime eligibility.
Trump used the appearance to promote an unsubstantiated claim that Vice President Kamala Harris did not work at McDonald's during college, as she has stated. "Now I've worked for 15 minutes more than Kamala," Trump said, calling her "Lyin' Kamala."
Harris's campaign maintains she worked at a McDonald's in Alameda, California, during the summer of 1983 while attending Howard University. Campaign spokesperson Ian Sams responded to Trump's claims, saying, "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."
Trump, a known McDonald's enthusiast, praised the cleanliness of the food preparation during his visit.
Following the McDonald's stop, Trump held a town hall in Lancaster, Pa., addressing supporters on key campaign issues such as immigration and tax exemptions for tips and Social Security income. He was scheduled to attend a Pittsburgh Steelers football game later in the day.
