Staff ReportsDonald Trump’s recent foray into fast food has proven to be a delightful surprise for many, especially among younger voters who seem to appreciate the charm of the former President flipping burgers at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s. After a brief shift behind the counter, a new poll revealed that 30 percent of respondents now harbor a fonder view of Trump, while only 20 percent reported feeling less favorably. Apparently, turning up at a local fast food joint with a smile can do wonders for one’s public image.
Among Gen Z, the love for Trump’s McDonald’s stunt soared even higher. Nearly 39 percent of these young voters felt more positively about him after witnessing his culinary escapades, while 23 percent took a less favorable stand. What’s not to love? It’s hard to resist a former commander-in-chief donning a paper hat and serving fries, while navigating the complexities of the fryer like a pro. In stark contrast, older generations waiting at the drive-thru window did not share the same enthusiasm, suggesting that McDonald’s may not have the same nostalgic effect on Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation.
The Boomers and Silent Generation remain far less impressed, with just 23 and 14 percent respectively claiming an increased fondness. This disinterest may stem from their puzzle over how a former president ended up in a fryer uniform instead of, say, a boardroom. However, one must wonder if the majority’s eye-rolling is simply a result of growing too accustomed to traditional political messaging, leaving them feeling blindsided by a man serving burgers instead of grand speeches.
New Data Confirms That @realDonaldTrump's McDonald's Visit Worked
The Gen Z'ers particularly liked it, who also more than not believe Harris is making up that she worked at McDonald's. https://t.co/yLq63GrzIs
— Randy DeSoto (@RandyDeSoto) October 24, 2024
While behind the counter, Trump delighted a family when he expressed that the father was far from ordinary—kind words that humanize the man behind the headlines. The media often labels Trump as a polarizing figure, but moments like this demonstrate a willingness to connect with average Americans in the most unexpected of places. It’s hard to maintain the narrative of a “fascist dictator” when he’s busy working the fryer and engaging in light banter with patrons.
Not aiming to miss a chance to poke fun at Kamala Harris, Trump quipped about having “worked 15 minutes more” than her as he tossed out nuggets. A sizable chunk of Gen Z—38 percent—seem to side with Trump regarding Harris’s dubious claims of working at McDonald’s in 1983. While no evidence of her fast-food experience has been substantiated, her story remains as believable as a politician forgetting to disclose their past on a job application.
Clearly, serving burgers is not only a savvy public relations campaign but also an effective counter to political attacks. Swapping a suit for a McDonald’s apron has enabled Trump to present himself as the everyman, while simultaneously challenging narratives that paint him as anything but. Engaging directly with voters in this way underscores his candidacy as one grounded in authenticity—not a bad strategy when the competition is often caught up in partisan sniping from the sidelines.
