Pennsylvania Senate candidate Dave McCormick has sharply criticised incumbent Sen. Bob Casey for what he describes as retaliation against McDonald’s after former President Donald Trump’s recent visit to a franchise in Feasterville, Pennsylvania. The visit occurred during Trump’s campaign trail when he worked the fryer and interacted with customers.
Following Trump’s appearance, a trio of Senate Democrats, including Casey, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, sent a letter to McDonald’s CEO accusing the fast-food giant of price gouging. The letter was issued on Monday, just a day after Trump’s visit, and claimed that the company has been inflating prices to boost profits.
McCormick condemned Casey’s actions, asserting that the senator uses “vindictive pressure tactics” because he dislikes Trump. “After President Trump’s wildly popular visit to the local Feasterville McDonald’s franchise, Bob Casey has stooped to a new low by retaliating against McDonald’s. This is just the latest in a string of anti-business attacks by Casey on Pennsylvania small businesses and employees,” McCormick told Fox News Digital.
The letter sent by the senators did not mention Trump but highlighted concerns over McDonald’s pricing practices and its impact on consumers. “While working families are trying to make ends meet, McDonald’s and its corporate counterparts have continued to grow their profits,” they stated.
In response to McCormick’s criticism, Casey’s campaign defended him, emphasising that the senator will always fight against corporate greed. “While Connecticut hedge fund CEO David McCormick works to enrich himself and his billionaire backers, Senator Casey will always fight against corporate greed to put more money in Pennsylvanians’ pockets,” said Casey campaign spokesperson Kate Smart.
The letter to McDonald’s also sought clarification on how the company sets prices for menu items and whether executives received bonuses during the last few years. McDonald’s responded to the letter, asserting that it demonstrated a misunderstanding of its franchise business model. The company noted that it is committed to keeping prices affordable, citing that certain menu items have decreased in price compared to previous years.
Casey has been vocal about blaming inflation on corporate greed as part of his re-election campaign, which has recently shifted from a leaning Democratic race to a toss-up, according to the Cook Political Report. During a summer address at the DNC, Casey stated, “The corporations say your prices are up only because their costs are up. They are selling you a lie.”
McCormick’s campaign countered that inflation is primarily a result of federal government spending, which they argue has been supported by Democrats like Casey. Nearly all McDonald’s locations in the U.S. are franchises, including the one Trump visited.
During his visit, Trump remarked on his time at McDonald’s, quipping, “I’ve now worked for 15 minutes more than Kamala at McDonald’s,” and praised the fast-food chain’s role in providing jobs.
The franchise owner, Derek Giacomantonio, expressed pride in showcasing his restaurant during Trump’s visit, highlighting the opportunities McDonald’s provides to many Americans.
“As a small, independent business owner, it is a fundamental value of my organisation that we proudly open our doors to everyone who visits the Feasterville community,” Giacomantonio stated.
Trump’s McDonald’s visit has drawn criticism from some Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who accused him of making a mockery of American workers. “They’re not trying to empathise with us. They are making fun of us,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
To lead you must serve. Matthew 20:26 pic.twitter.com/8PIscBI9we
— David Sacks (@DavidSacks) October 21, 2024
Just saw a photo of Donald Trump working at a McDonalds. Yeah, he’s winning this election. 🤣🔥 pic.twitter.com/baH0HfxEWW
— Patriot J (@PatriotJ) October 20, 2024
Conversely, Trump supporters have celebrated the visit, sharing memes and photos supporting his campaign.
