McDonald’s says it doesn’t endorse political candidates after Trump visit

McDonald’s is seeking to emphasize its political neutrality after former President Trump spent some time behind the counter at a Pennsylvania location of the fast-food giant, which says it does not endorse political candidates.

“As we’ve seen, our brand has been a fixture of conversation this election cycle. While we’ve not sought this, it’s a testament to how much McDonald’s resonates with so many Americans,” the company said in a Monday statement. “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.” 

The statement added that the request to visit the Pennsylvania franchise was handled locally.

“Upon learning of the former President’s request, we approached it through the lens of one of our core values: we open our doors to everyone,” it said.

“It’s with that same approach that franchisees have invited Vice President Harris and [Minnesota] Governor [Tim] Walz to their restaurants, in order to share how McDonald’s provides meaningful pathways to economic opportunity and feeds and fosters local communities.”

In Bucks County on Sunday, Trump worked a McDonald’s drive-thru for a short time after spending weeks mocking Harris’s past experience working for the chain as a young woman.

The Harris campaign launched an ad in August highlighting her upbringing in an effort to appeal to middle-class voters, noting that Harris worked at McDonald’s while earning her college degree at Howard University. She had referenced the experience during past campaigns as well. 

“Though we are not a political brand, we’ve been proud to hear former President Trump’s love for McDonald’s and Vice President Harris’s fond memories working under the arches,” the company said Monday.