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In a recent publicity stunt, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump engaged in an effort to connect with everyday Americans by donning an apron at a McDonald’s in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, where he prepared and served French fries. As he distributed food to drive-thru customers, he greeted them with smiles and waves, attempting to bridge the gap between his affluent lifestyle and the average worker.
Featuring a scenario that resonates with many, statistics from McDonald’s indicate that about one in eight Americans has spent time working at one of its locations. Yet, Trump’s performance was largely symbolic rather than substantive; the restaurant was shut down to facilitate the media event, the customers were pre-screened, and notably, they did not make actual orders but merely accepted bags of food handed to them.
Typically, such staged events aim to express camaraderie with essential workers, illustrating that politicians acknowledge the hard work involved in these roles. “[Making fries is] an easy job to do once, and it’s not an easy job to do over and over again,” noted author Adam Chandler in an interview with Marisa Kabas for her newsletter, the Handbasket. While a photo opportunity at a fast-food outlet can seem appealing, it fails to capture the ongoing challenges faced by these employees.
Trump’s attempt at this photo opportunity fell short, as he did not engage in any genuine labor. The complexity and intensity of fast food work deserve recognition, as it requires juggling multiple tasks while managing customer interactions—situations that demand both skill and speed. Simulating this environment by making a single batch of fries for select supporters does not replicate the true experience of a fast-food job.
This spectacle reflects a broader trend within Trump’s campaign strategy. While effective political representation involves acknowledging and addressing the concerns of constituents with diverse viewpoints, Trump’s appearance at McDonald’s offered little indication of his willingness to engage with individuals outside his base. Historical precedents from his prior presidency show a clear disregard for those who oppose his ideologies. As he embarks on another campaign, he appears to exacerbate this divide by actively threatening deportations for those he deems unworthy of remaining in the country.
In a bid to undermine Vice President Kamala Harris, whom he accused of fabricating her past experience as a McDonald’s worker, Trump joked, “I’ve now worked for 15 minutes more than Kamala,” despite having no substantiated evidence for his claims. When pressed about his stance on raising the minimum wage—a significant acknowledgment of fast food workers’ struggles—Trump deflected. The minimum wage in Pennsylvania remains at $7.25 per hour, while the average salary for McDonald’s employees in the state hovers around $13.22 per hour, insufficient for affording a one-bedroom rental anywhere in the region, as indicated by various reports.
In commentary regarding Trump’s performance, Harris spokesman Ian Sams pointed out, “When Trump feels desperate, all he knows how to do is lie. He can’t understand what it’s like to have a summer job because he was handed millions on a silver platter, only to blow it.” While direct experience in fast food is not a prerequisite for advocating for fair wages and worker rights, Trump’s superficial connection to the working class serves as a testament to his disconnect and lack of genuine empathy.
Source
www.eater.com