McDonald’s found itself in the spotlight during the 2024 election after former President Donald Trump served fries at a franchise in Pennsylvania. This event drew attention over the weekend, even though McDonald’s, as a corporation, did not orchestrate or endorse Trump’s visit.
The fast-food giant operates primarily through a franchise model, meaning most locations are independently owned. While franchisees must adhere to specific corporate guidelines, they can host political candidates at their establishments without needing approval from McDonald’s corporate.
In an internal memo shared with employees, McDonald’s distanced itself from Trump’s visit, stating that they did not invite him nor did they seek the attention brought by the election. The company framed this situation as an indication of McDonald’s significance in American culture.
They emphasized their neutrality in political matters, asserting, “McDonald’s does not endorse candidates for elected office and that remains true in this race for the next President. We are not red or blue – we are golden,” a message supported by their US senior leadership team.
Democrats have highlighted McDonald’s in their campaigns, particularly referencing Vice President Kamala Harris’s past summer job at the fast-food chain. During Trump’s visit, he donned an apron and served customers, showcasing his affinity for McDonald’s, a sentiment he has expressed in various speeches.
McDonald’s Distances Itself from Trump’s Visit to Pennsylvania Franchise Amid 2024 Election
In contrast, Harris has frequently mentioned her brief time working at McDonald’s, drawing a clear connection between the brand and her personal history in her political narrative. However, Trump has disputed the validity of Harris’s claims about her McDonald’s experience without providing evidence.
Following the event, some McDonald’s customers and employees voiced their discontent, criticizing the company for allowing Trump to use their restaurant as a campaign backdrop.
McDonald’s clarified that the franchise owner, Derek Giacomantonio, had been approached by local law enforcement regarding Trump’s interest in visiting, and he welcomed the opportunity as a way to showcase community service and their popular menu items, including their “World-Famous French Fries.” They reiterated their core value of inclusivity, stating, “we open our doors to everyone.”
The franchise model is integral to McDonald’s operations, with about 95% of locations run by independent operators who pay royalties for brand usage and corporate support. While this structure allows for local autonomy, it has led to controversies in the past, such as when a franchise in Israel offered discounts to soldiers, provoking boycotts in Muslim-majority regions.
Similar issues have arisen for other companies like Starbucks, which faced backlash over franchise decisions that diverged from corporate policies. McDonald’s mentioned having “election toolkits” in place to navigate these politically charged events while maintaining their brand’s integrity and public image.
