The former president’s lighthearted campaign stop in Pennsylvania draws sharp critiques from media outlets, with critics accusing him of staging a “bizarre stunt” while his supporters praise his relatability.
Donald Trump’s recent McDonald’s visit in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, became the latest flashpoint in his 2024 presidential campaign, sparking heated reactions across the media. MSNBC, along with other outlets, was quick to criticize the former president’s appearance, questioning everything from his mental fitness to his French fry-salting technique. The fast-food campaign stop drew particular ire from MSNBC’s Alex Witt, who labeled the event “bizarre,” while her guest, Rep. Barbara Lee, deemed it “a stunt” and a reflection of Trump’s unwell state.
During his visit, Trump donned a McDonald’s apron and stood behind the counter, serving drive-thru customers with a smile and even manning the fry cooker. The move, which drew delight from his supporters, including comments that it showed him as a “normal person,” was blasted by left-leaning media outlets as a staged act. MSNBC, in particular, critiqued the former president for pandering, with Witt questioning the logic behind the appearance.
While outlets like Rolling Stone and The New York Times joined in the criticism, calling the event “bizarre” and questioning Trump’s culinary experience, online responses overwhelmingly mocked the media’s attacks. Social media users pointed out that this critique of Trump was disproportionate, especially when compared to praise for Democratic candidates in similar lighthearted moments.
Trump, known for his love of fast food, has often utilized such moments to connect with voters, drawing both amusement and controversy. His supporters responded to the media’s backlash by highlighting the former president’s relatability and dismissing the critiques as elitist.
Despite the media firestorm, the campaign stop has added to Trump’s ongoing efforts to engage with voters in key battleground states as he vies for the Republican nomination. With the McDonald’s visit being shared and discussed widely, both critics and supporters agree on one thing: Trump’s unique brand of campaign theatrics continues to generate buzz.
