McDonald's Corporation allowed the holding of a campaign event for former President Donald Trump at one of its restaurants in Pennsylvania over the weekend. However, the company stated that it does not endorse any particular candidate in the presidential race. The Republican candidate had the opportunity to operate the fryer at a restaurant in the Philadelphia suburbs on Sunday, then answering questions from the drive-thru window.
In a message to staff accessed by The Associated Press on Monday, McDonald's indicated that the restaurant owner, Derek Giacomantonio, contacted the company when he was informed that Trump wanted to visit the location. The company agreed to allow the event to take place, citing one of its core values of keeping its doors open to all.
"While neither we nor our franchisees have records of all employees from the early 1980s, what makes 'one in eight' so significant is the shared experience for so many Americans," the company mentioned. Despite being part of the conversation in the electoral cycle, McDonald's insists it does not seek such distinction.
The campaign of Kamala Harris, the Democratic Vice Presidential candidate, has not responded to requests for comments so far. It is noted that McDonald's has also offered the possibility to other candidates, such as Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz, to visit its restaurants. Trump has accused the Vice President of lying without presenting evidence to that effect.
"We are golden, not red or blue," stated the hamburger company based in Chicago. The question about the company's preferences regarding candidates was not addressed in the message to employees.
