In U.S. election history, there have been campaign moves that ended up backfiring dramatically. One infamous example was in 1988 when Democratic candidate Michael Dukakis appeared in a tank wearing an oversized helmet, making him look ridiculous and costing him the race.
With this in mind, Donald Trump, the 78-year-old Republican candidate, took a significant risk this weekend with a bold campaign stunt at a McDonald’s in Feasterville, Pennsylvania. Trump donned a protective apron, his signature red tie, and a crisp white shirt with cufflinks as he fried French fries and served customers at the drive-thru window. The memorable images quickly made waves.
A Jab at Rival Kamala Harris
Trump’s provocative appearance was a direct jab at his rival, Kamala Harris, 60, who has claimed that she worked at McDonald’s as a teenager in Alameda County, California. Trump openly accused her of lying about the experience.
Despite the risk, Trump pulled off the “Happy Meal” stunt with surprising success, even liberal commentators admitted. The Independent described Trump as “genuine and believable” during the event, noting that he handled the fries “with flair” and served customers with charm.
Piers Morgan’s Take on Trump’s McDonald’s Moment
Piers Morgan, a columnist and vocal Trump supporter, went further, suggesting that Trump’s stint at the fry station might propel him toward victory. Morgan argued the stunt resonated so well because McDonald’s is “the purest personification of the American free-market dream.”
In Morgan’s view, Trump may have “fried” his opponent in more ways than one with the stunt.
Democratic Backlash and Harris’s Struggling Narrative
Unsurprisingly, Democrats condemned the stunt, calling it a “fake PR move.” They claimed the entire store was reserved and customers were preselected, a claim that Team Trump dismissed, noting that all campaign events are choreographed.
What’s worse for Harris, though, are the growing doubts about her own claims of working at McDonald’s during her teenage years. She has yet to provide any evidence—photos, paychecks, or testimonies from colleagues—supporting her story of flipping burgers in 1983. According to The Wall Street Journal, McDonald’s has stated that no records from the early 1980s exist for those stores. Furthermore, the job never appeared on any of her resumes.
Harris first shared this story in 2019 during the Democratic primary race, using it to highlight her middle-class roots, positioning herself in contrast to Trump, who grew up in a wealthy family.
Trump’s Sarcastic Dig
Trump, clearly enjoying the situation, delivered a final jab as he handed over a bag of fries: “I’ve now worked 15 minutes longer at McDonald’s than Kamala Harris,” he quipped sarcastically.
