Donald Trump Stopped to Serve Fries at Pennsylvania’s McDonald’s During his Political Campaign

Former President Donald Trump made an unexpected stop at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania as part of his 2024 campaign trail on October 20, taking to the fryer station to serve up fries to customers. The appearance was both a nod to his connection with everyday Americans and a jab at Vice President Kamala Harris, marking yet another colorful event in his campaign efforts.

Trump’s McDonald’s appearance in Pennsylvania wasn’t just about burgers and fries; it was a carefully crafted campaign stop aimed at reaching his base. As he stood behind the counter, dressed in a McDonald’s apron, Trump served customers and interacted with staff, even joking, “I’ve now worked 15 minutes more than Kamala.” The quip was a dig at Vice President Harris, whom Trump and his campaign have criticized repeatedly. His actions aimed to showcase his ability to connect with ordinary Americans, using the fast-food giant—a favorite spot he’s visited often in the past—to emphasize his message.

The stop was also a political tactic designed to contrast his work ethic with that of Vice President Harris. By playfully suggesting he had worked “more” than Harris, Trump reinforced his campaign’s ongoing narrative questioning her commitment and work history. The event, held in a battleground state, Pennsylvania, highlighted his focus on appealing to working-class voters and engaging directly with supporters in familiar, everyday settings.

Trump’s use of McDonald’s as a campaign setting has been a recurring strategy throughout his political career. Known for his love of fast food, Trump has frequently stopped at chain restaurants to show his affinity for American staples and connect with voters on a more relatable level. The Pennsylvania stop served as a reminder of this tactic, presenting him as a candidate who, in his view, understands and appreciates the daily lives of ordinary Americans. Whether handing out fries or taking selfies with patrons, the fast-food setting offered a casual and approachable platform for Trump’s message.

Why Pennsylvania? 

Trump’s decision to visit a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania isn’t surprising, given the state’s critical role in the upcoming election. Pennsylvania has been a battleground state in recent elections, and its voters are key to any candidate’s success. By choosing a McDonald’s in this state, Trump not only maintained a familiar image but also reinforced his commitment to securing votes in a pivotal area. This stop is just one part of his broader strategy to appeal to working-class voters, a demographic that has remained central to his political campaigns.

Unsurprisingly, Trump’s visit to McDonald’s quickly became a viral moment. Videos and photos of the former president handing out fries and making jokes about Vice President Harris circulated widely on social media platforms. Reactions were mixed, with supporters praising his down-to-earth approach and critics questioning the effectiveness of such stunts. The fast-food appearance, like many of Trump’s public events, sparked debates about the authenticity of political theater in modern campaigns.