In an unexpected twist to the heated US presidential race, Republican candidate Donald Trump traded his signature suit for a McDonald’s apron on Sunday, serving up a sizzling blend of fast food and political barbs in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania.
Donald Trump making fries, burgers at McDonald’s?
The former president, known more for his golden towers than golden arches, stepped behind the counter of a bustling McDonald’s outlet, fulfilling what he jokingly called a lifelong dream. “I’ve wanted to do this all my life,” Trump quipped, as he donned the iconic black and yellow uniform.
With the precision of a seasoned fry cook (or at least an enthusiastic amateur), Trump plunged baskets of fries into bubbling oil, liberally sprinkled salt, and scooped the crispy potatoes into their cardboard homes. The impromptu shift wasn’t just about satisfying a culinary curiosity, however. It was a calculated political move, aimed squarely at his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.
Donald Trump vs Kamala Harris
Harris has long touted her experience working at McDonald’s during her college years in 1980s California, using it to bolster her “middle-class background” narrative. Trump, never one to let an opportunity for a zinger pass, seized the moment to question Harris’s claims.
“It was a big part of her resume that she worked at McDonald’s — how tough a job it was,” Trump said, his voice dripping with scepticism. “She made the french fries, and she talked about the heat: ‘It was so tough.’ She’s never worked at McDonald’s.”
‘Worked for 15 mins more than…’
Then came the punchline, delivered with all the subtlety of a Big Mac to the face: “I’ve now worked for 15 minutes more than Kamala.”
The political theatre drew a large crowd to the Bucks County location, a crucial swing voter region just north of Philadelphia. Supporters lined the streets, their cheers mixing with the sizzle of frying oil and the beep of drive-thru orders.
Trump, ever the showman, revelled in the attention. “Look at the crowd over here. They are so happy because they have hope. They need hope,” he declared, somehow managing to turn fast food into a metaphor for the American dream.
When asked about Harris’s 60th birthday, which happened to fall on the same day, Trump showcased his unique brand of political etiquette. “I would say, ‘Happy Birthday, Kamala,'” he offered, before adding with a mischievous grin, “I think I’ll get her some flowers.”
Elon Musk shares video of Trump
The stunt didn’t go unnoticed in the business world. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk shared a video of Trump’s fry-cooking exploits, dubbing it “awesome” in a tweet that quickly went viral.
As both candidates crisscross Pennsylvania in the final weeks before the November 5 election, it’s clear that every photo op, every handshake, and now every french fry counts. With hundreds of millions of dollars pouring into the state from both parties, the race for the White House is heating up faster than a deep fryer on a busy lunch rush.
In the end, whether Trump’s McDonald’s adventure will sway voters remains to be seen. But one thing’s for certain: in the high-stakes world of presidential politics, sometimes you have to be willing to get your hands greasy.
