Donald Trump’s recent pit stop at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s has stirred up more than just fries. The former president’s attempt to connect with voters by working a shift at the fast-food joint has instead left a bad taste in many mouths.
Trump, known for his love of McDonald’s cuisine and self-proclaimed germaphobia, donned an apron and manned the fry station at a restaurant in Feasterville-Trevose. This swing voting area in the battleground state of Pennsylvania seemed like the perfect backdrop for a bit of campaign theater. However, the feel-good photo op quickly turned sour when details about the restaurant’s health inspection history came to light.
According to county records, this particular McDonald’s failed its most recent health inspection in March. The violations read like a fast-food nightmare: staff not washing hands properly, improper food handling, and temperature control issues. Even the walk-in freezer was on thin ice, quite literally, with reports of heavy frost buildup.
Trump’s hands-on approach during his visit – sans gloves and hairnet – didn’t help matters. While he claimed his hands were “nice and clean,” social media users were quick to point out the potential health code violations. Some even suggested that Trump skipped hand-washing altogether before diving into food preparation.
The whole affair has left many questioning the authenticity of the event. With the restaurant closed to the public during Trump’s visit and reports of “fake” customers, critics are dismissing it as nothing more than a staged publicity stunt.
This McDonald’s misadventure highlights the delicate balance political candidates must strike between relatability and responsibility. While Trump’s team likely hoped to serve up a slice of everyday America, they may have instead dished out a supersized helping of controversy.
As the November election draws near, it’s clear that even seemingly simple campaign stops can become fodder for heated debate. Whether this greasy spoon saga will impact Trump’s political fortunes remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure – it’s given voters plenty to chew on.
