GOP rep gives Trump ‘french fries certification pin’ during stop in storm-ravaged NC town

North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards (R) gave former President Trump a “french fries certification pin” honoring the former president’s appearance working the drive-thru at a McDonald’s over the weekend.

“For those of you who did not get to see it, I offered, because you know, I also own McDonald’s restaurants, I know that you perfected your skills behind the counter a day or so ago. And it was my honor to present President Trump with the french fries certification pin,” Edwards said as Trump was set to take the stage at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, per Mediaite.

The former president’s Pennsylvania stop came amid a fixation he’s had over Vice President Harris’s experience working at a McDonald’s in college. Harris’s campaign has used the experience to appeal to middle-class voters, though Trump and his allies have suggested that she never worked there because it wasn’t on her resume.

Edwards also highlighted how meaningful Trump’s visit to North Carolina was as the region recovers from Hurricane Helene.

“It means so much to the folks here whose lives have been turned upside down, whose homes have been destroyed, who’s lost loved ones, whose businesses have been destroyed. We’re so incredibly honored that you’re going to help keep the emphasis on us rebuilding this beautiful community,” Edwards said before Trump spoke.

On Monday, Trump again attacked the federal response to Hurricane Helene, repeating false claims about funding and slamming Gov. Roy Cooper (D). He also said he would be in favor of Congress returning early to approve more disaster aid, meanwhile repeating a debunked claim about FEMA spending on migrants.

Trump also called FEMA’s response “a disgrace.”

Lawmakers, the Biden administration and other officials have repeatedly pushed back on Trump’s claims, emphasizing that FEMA’s funding is for natural disaster response.