Did Trump work in a closed McDonald's drive-thru? Ex-president's stunt explained
Former President Donald Trump recently made the headlines for cooking and serving fries at a McDonald's outlet in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, October 20. Videos of the Republican serving fries and doing the rounds with orders went viral on the internet.
Shortly after the MAGA leader's clips surfaced online, fans on various social media sites alleged that Trump's visit to McDonald's was "staged." Netizens shared a notice, allegedly from the Pennsylvania outlet of the fast-food joint, stating it was closed on October 20 until 4 pm.
The notice, allegedly signed by the unit's manager, Derek Giacomantonio, said:
"Dear Feasterville Community. We plan to be closed on Sunday, October 20 until 4 p.m., to accommodate a visit at the request of former President Trump and his campaign. While we are not a political organization, we proudly open our doors to everyone and as a locally owned and operated location, this visit provides a unique opportunity to shine a light on the positive impact of small businesses here in Feasterville.
"Having started my [the unit manager] McDonald's journey as a crew member in New York nearly 30 years ago. this path to economic opportunity is especially meaningful to me. I apologize for the inconvenience of closing our restaurant and sincerely look forward to serving you very soon."
Some netizens also claimed that the customers were handpicked by Trump's security and rehearsed their gestures before the former President's arrival. Cars were also spotted driving in front of the pick-up window to collect orders per instruction. Witnesses also reported seeing Secret Service agents on the roofs of nearby buildings.
It is essential to note that McDonald's has not verified the authenticity of the notice declaring the outlet was closed as of writing. Netizens have claimed the Republican nominee's visit was staged, but there is no official evidence to prove the same.
Meanwhile, many pointed out that the precautions were mandatory, given there were two assassination attempts on the former President in July and September 2024. It can be confirmed that Trump was present at the Feasterville, Pennsylvania, outlet of McDonald's. However, whether or not he served real-time customers cannot be verified.
Donald Trump took a dig at Kamala Harris over her claims of working at McDonald's as a student
During his October 20 visit to the Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania outlet of McDonald's, former President Donald Trump took a dig at Vice President Kamala Harris's claims of working at the Golden Arches as a student in her early life.
While serving orders to his alleged customers, the former President said through the drive-through window:
"I've now worked for 15 minutes more than Kamala at McDonald's."
The Republican nominee's claims pertain to Vice President Kamala Harris, who claimed in a 2019 interview that she served ice cream and french fries at McDonald's as a student. Harris also claimed to work as a cashier at the fast-food outlet.
In June 2019, Kamala Harris wrote on X in support of the minimum wage demands of McDonald's workers. She reiterated her claims of having worked at the Golden Arches and wrote:
"I worked at @McDonalds when I was a student, doing french fries and ice cream. There wasn't a family relying on me to pay the bills — but that's the reality for too many workers today."
The Vice President's campaign advertisements for the 2024 Presidential elections, dated August 10, also claimed she worked at the fast food joint.
"She grew up in a middle class home. She was the daughter of a working mom. And she worked at McDonald’s while she got her degree," the ad said.
It is not the first time Donald Trump has criticized Kamala Harris for her claims of working at McDonald's. On September 23, the former President took to TruthSocial, claiming Harris lied about working at the Golden Arches.
"Kamala should take down and disavow all of her Statements that she worked for McDonald’s. These Statements go back a long way, and were also used openly throughout the Campaign — UNTIL SHE GOT CAUGHT. She must apologize to the American people for lying!," he wrote.
At a Pennsylvania rally on the same date, Trump accused Kamala Harris of lying about working at the fast-food joint.
"But she said she [Kamala Harris] worked and she grew up in terrible conditions. She worked at McDonald's it was said. She never worked there. And these fake news reporters never reported, 'cause that's fake. They don't wanna report it. She never worked at McDonald's. But it was a big part of her resume," Trump said.
The popular fast food joint has neither confirmed nor denied Harris being employed at any of their outlets.