McDonald’s workers criticise Trump for ‘insulting cosplay’ fry cook stunt
Former US President Donald Trump faced criticism from McDonald’s workers after attempting a fry cook stunt at a Pennsylvania branch without wearing a hairnet or gloves. Trump’s interest in Kamala Harris’ past work experience at McDonald’s led him to work at the fast-food chain himself, despite previously questioning the authenticity of Harris’ role.
During his visit to the Bucks County McDonald’s location, Trump served customers through the drive-thru window and operated the fry cooker. However, concerns were raised as the same restaurant had failed to meet health compliance standards earlier this year, receiving citations for violations such as employees not washing their hands properly and the absence of required hair restraints.
Photos from Trump’s visit showed him in a white shirt, ketchup-coloured tie, and an apron, but without the necessary protective gear. Workers from the fast-food chain shared their opinions on a Reddit thread, highlighting that Trump did not adhere to the standard uniform requirements, including the absence of non-slip shoes and a hairnet.
The branch temporarily closed for 30 minutes to accommodate Trump’s visit, raising questions about whether the workers were paid during the shutdown. As the average fast food worker earns $13 to $15 per hour nationwide, concerns were raised about the compensation for the interrupted shift.
Additionally, Trump used this opportunity to take a personal jab at Harris, claiming he had worked longer at McDonald’s than her. This move was seen as another attempt to discredit Harris, with Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr, also reiterating baseless claims about Harris’ previous employment history.
The incident sparked a debate on social media platforms, with many criticising Trump’s actions as mere theatrics and disrespectful to those who work in the fast-food industry. The Independent reached out to the Bucks County Health Department and McDonald’s for comments on the matter but has yet to receive a response.
This unconventional campaign stop has once again brought attention to the ongoing political narratives surrounding Trump’s and Harris’ past experiences. The fast-food industry, workers’ rights, and the importance of adhering to health and safety standards have also been highlighted by this incident.