Did Donald Trump serve fries at closed McDonald's? Social media claims visit was pre-planned | WATCH

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, the Republican Party's official candidate for the 2024 Presidential Election, recently made headlines for a seemingly unexpected PR move—working at McDonald's. Photos and videos of Trump frying fries and serving food went viral, sparking a wave of amused reactions from the public. This publicity stunt aligns with Trump's ongoing efforts to connect with everyday Americans and promote an image of relatability. However, new claims on social media allege that Trump's fast-food shift was entirely staged.

Though it’s common for election campaign events to be heavily orchestrated, the McDonald's incident has attracted special attention. According to various reports, the McDonald's branch in Pennsylvania where Trump worked went to great lengths to ensure that the former president's visit went smoothly.

BREAKING

Donald Trump’s campaign and followers claim that he was really working at a McDonald’s and served food.

FALSE — the McDonald’s was closed.

And the “customers” were supporters who rehearsed in advance — plus members of the media. pic.twitter.com/jU9Bw5glHi

— Tristan Snell (@TristanSnell) October 20, 2024

Was McDonald's closed for Trump's appearance?

One of the prominent allegations circulating online is that the McDonald's was closed to the public while Trump was 'working' there. An image of a notice, supposedly from the restaurant, has surfaced, claiming that the location would be closed on October 20 until 4 p.m. This notice explicitly mentioned that the closure was to "accommodate a visit at the request of former president Trump and his campaign."

In addition, videos circulating online show cars in the restaurant's drive-through line. Some users suggest that these "customers" were not ordinary patrons but rather selected individuals, possibly rehearsing their interactions with the former president as part of a carefully choreographed appearance.

It was all staged! Trump did NOT work! McDonald’s closed & there was even a car rehearsal for "customers" who had been vetted & cleared by the campaign.

"We plan to be closed on Sunday, October 20 until 4:00pm to accommodate a visit at the request of former President Donald… pic.twitter.com/dwojRjh0Lx

— LongTime🤓FirstTime👨‍💻 (@LongTimeHistory) October 20, 2024

Trump's PR move aimed at rival Kamala Harris?

It has been speculated that Trump's McDonald's stunt was intended to outshine his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris, who often highlights her middle-class background, worked at a McDonald's in 1983 while attending Howard University. Trump's appearance at the fast-food chain might be an effort to connect with voters who appreciate humble beginnings and hard work.