Trump’s McDonald’s Stunt Could Serve Kamala Harris a Major Blow at the Ballot Box

Donald Trump made headlines by working a shift at a McDonald’s restaurant in suburban Philadelphia.

The former president prepared French fries and handed out bags of food at the drive-through, capturing national attention just days before the upcoming election. The stunt, seen as one of his most impactful, served two distinct purposes in the heated race for the White House.

Customers were shocked to see Trump passing out McDonald’s bags in the drive-thru. via REUTERS

First, the event brought attention to Kamala Harris’ previously stated claim that she worked at a McDonald’s during her youth. Harris has often referenced this summer job, saying she worked at the fast-food chain in Alameda, California, 1983 at Howard University.

She detailed her experience at the cash register, fries station, and ice cream machine. However, despite her claims, no one has been able to verify her time at McDonald’s, and the job is notably absent from her memoir and résumé. Even some of Harris’ close friends and aides were reportedly unaware of her alleged employment there, casting doubt on the authenticity of her story.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris has shared her experience working at McDonald’s when she was younger. Getty Images

This raised eyebrows, especially given Harris’ repeated attempts to present herself as relatable to working-class Americans. If proven false, her McDonald’s job claim could undermine her credibility, particularly with voters who value authenticity.

Trump’s appearance at McDonald’s subtly highlighted this controversy, questioning whether Harris’ narrative was fabricated. The tension in the political race was palpable as this controversy was brought to the forefront.

The second purpose of Trump’s fast-food shift was symbolic. McDonald’s represents the quintessential American success story — a place where millions of Americans have worked and where hard work can lead to more significant opportunities. The restaurant chain, with more than 13,000 locations across the U.S., serves as a cultural touchstone for Americans of all backgrounds. Though briefly, Trump’s decision to work there played into this symbolism, emphasising his connection to everyday people and the American dream.

Upon arriving at the McDonald’s, Trump declared, “I’ve always wanted to work at McDonald’s,” before donning an apron and stepping into the kitchen. He enthusiastically took part in preparing fries and handing out meals to drive-through customers, many of whom were thrilled to interact with the former president.

One customer even thanked Trump for “taking a bullet for us,” reflecting the deep support he continues to garner from his voter base. This relatable act of Trump’s, working at a place many Americans have worked at, further solidified his connection with the people.

The second reason why Trump’s stunt worked so effectively is because McDonald’s is the about the purest personification imaginable of the American free market dream, Morgan explained. Getty Images

As Trump worked the fry station, he expressed enjoyment, saying, “I could do this all day. I love McDonald’s, I love jobs, I love to see good jobs.” His connection to voters was evident, as McDonald’s has long been a unifier across social and economic lines. Many high-profile individuals, such as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, comedian Jay Leno, and Olympic athlete Carl Lewis, have worked at McDonald’s early in their careers, making Trump’s shift even more relatable to ordinary Americans.

This campaign tactic also brought to mind the aggressive business strategies of Ray Kroc, the man who turned McDonald’s into a global empire. Kroc once famously said, “If any of my competitors were drowning, I’d stick a hose in their mouth and turn on the water.”

“I could do this all day,” he exclaimed. “I love McDonald’s, I love jobs, I love to see good jobs.” AP

Trump’s hard-hitting political approach has often been compared to ruthless competitiveness. His fast-food shift was about connecting with voters and underscoring his fight to win at all costs, especially against Harris, whose McDonald’s story he has repeatedly questioned.

With the election just days away, Trump’s McDonald’s stunt could play a significant role in shaping voter opinions. The move was daring, different, and deeply symbolic — qualities that align with Trump’s campaign style.

McDonald’s is the great unifier, crossing all race, gender, age and creed divides, which could help Trump’s campaign. AP

Should he win, some may point to this event as a defining moment in his push to re-engage with the working class. Even if he doesn’t win, the former president’s time behind the counter might prove that he can still connect with everyday Americans in unexpected ways. The potential impact of this event on the election outcome is significant, and it underscores the power of unique campaign tactics in shaping voter perceptions.

As the nation watches the final stretch of the election campaign, Trump’s McDonald’s shift has left an impression, reminding voters of the importance of authenticity, hard work, and connecting with the people — key themes that could influence the outcome of the presidential race.