The former president’s campaign stop in Pennsylvania raises eyebrows with its scripted nature and focus on frivolity over policy
In a staged photo opportunity that showcased his fast-food flair, former President Donald Trump donned an apron and briefly worked the fry station at a McDonald’s in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, on October 20. This quirky campaign stop, which seemed designed to connect with voters, instead highlighted Trump’s tendency to evade pressing questions on key issues, such as the minimum wage.
During his five-minute stint at the fry station, Trump lifted fries from the hot oil, salted them, and filled containers for customers waiting at the drive-through. He praised the restaurant’s staff and the fast-food chain itself before emerging from the drive-through window to greet a gathering of supporters. As he handed out paper bags to waiting cars—no orders were taken from patrons—one enthusiastic supporter shouted, “Trump 2024!” while driving away.
The event was not open to the general public; it had been meticulously arranged, with attendees screened by the U.S. Secret Service and strategically placed in front of the restaurant before Trump’s arrival. After his brief fry-cooking demonstration, Trump spent around 15 minutes at the drive-through window, where he fielded questions from reporters.
When pressed on whether he would accept the results of the 2024 election, Trump maintained his ambiguous stance: “Sure, if it’s a fair election.” However, he notably dodged a question regarding his support for raising the federal minimum wage. Instead of addressing the issue, he praised the hard work of the McDonald’s employees, stating, “These people work hard. They’re great. And I just saw something—a process that’s beautiful.”
The average pay for McDonald’s workers in the U.S. ranges from $13 to $15 per hour, according to job sites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter. In Pennsylvania, where the federal minimum wage stands at $7.25 per hour, fast-food workers earn an average of $13.20 per hour, based on data from the 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Trump’s visit to McDonald’s has been described as an example of his “stage-managed” approach to campaigning, focusing more on theatrics than on substantive dialogue about policy issues. Critics have pointed out that such spectacles might distract from more significant discussions surrounding economic concerns, particularly as many Americans grapple with rising living costs and stagnant wages.
As the 2024 election heats up, Trump continues to attract attention with these unconventional campaign stops, but his avoidance of crucial topics like the minimum wage raises questions about the seriousness of his candidacy and his commitment to addressing the economic challenges facing working-class Americans.
