In a curious twist of political theatre, Donald Trump has sparked a ‘war of the fries.’ This isn’t about policy debates but rather a fast-food face-off.
The former US president plans to fry fries at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania in response to Vice President Kamala Harris’ claim that she worked at the chain in 1983.
Harris’ mention of her teenage job has sparked scepticism from Trump’s camp, which questions whether she actually worked there. Trump’s team is now turning the fast-food giant into the latest battleground in their effort to discredit her.
Harris has spoken about her McDonald’s stint as a formative experience, one that gave her insight into the struggles of everyday Americans, highlighting the importance of such jobs. Trump, on the other hand, has always presented himself as a billionaire populist.
This odd clash over McDonald’s is more about optics than burgers. Harris’ summer job is meant to bolster her working-class credentials, while Trump’s visit to the fryer seems to be all about showmanship.
Supersized campaigns: Trump’s love for McDonald’s is no secret — he famously served it at the White House and, according to a 2017 book, his regular order included two Big Macs, two Filet-O-Fish, and a chocolate shake, adding up to 2,430 calories. His campaign reportedly spent $31,000 (Rs2.6 lakhs) at McDonald’s between January 2023 and September 2024, perhaps reinforcing his connection to the average voter who frequents the chain.
At the heart of this spectacle is Trump’s relentless effort to question Harris’ credibility. Her McDonald’s claim is just one part of a broader narrative aimed at discrediting her, even if it means turning a fast-food counter into a political stage.
What began as a small anecdote about teenage work has turned into a political stunt. Whether Trump will actually fry those fries remains to be seen, but the symbolism is clear — in this election cycle, no platform is too small to fight on … even a McDonald’s kitchen.
