"What happens when politics meets fast food?" That’s the question being asked after former President Donald Trump took to the fryer at a McDonald’s franchise in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, stirring up not just the fryers but also the online review space. This visit, which took place on October 20, directed attention to the intersection of food, politics, and social media, but it’s left McDonald’s reeling from the uproar of negative reviews flooding their Yelp page.
Upon Trump’s arrival, dressed for the occasion in an apron and working the drive-thru, social media lit up, leading to Yelp temporarily disabling reviews for the franchise due to the influx of what it deemed phony or inappropriate reviews. This isn’t just another story of political antics; it’s also about how modern technology and public sentiment can combine to create both chaos and humor.
According to reports, many reviews posted on the franchise's Yelp page weren’t from actual customers. Instead, they seemed to be tongue-in-cheek commentary on Trump himself, with one review stating, "Convicted felon sh*t-talking customers, especially women, did not wear gloves..." and others using the opportunity to ridicule Trump's political career. For example, one particularly harsh review said, "The fries were too salty as if someone who lost a major election had been crying over them for an hour," leaving little ambiguity about the user's feelings toward the former president.
The sudden spike of such reviews prompted Yelp to activate its "unusual activity alert," which is used to manage businesses hit with unexpected media attention. This year alone, Yelp issued alerts on 112 business pages related to political incidents, resulting in over 5,000 reviews being removed as part of their filtering process. Yelp’s Noorie Malik explained, "For Yelp to remain a useful resource to the community, reviews must be based on genuine, firsthand experience with the business." The company's protocol is straightforward but necessary for maintaining the integrity of their platform.
Nonetheless, amid the flood of negativity, not all reviews were mocking. Some patrons expressed their enduring love for the restaurant. One five-star review praised the location, saying, "I’ve been to this McDonald’s long before Trump came by and I’ll keep coming by long afterward." Such contrasting feedback demonstrates the divided nature of public opinion and the complex relationship we have with public figures today.
McDonald’s itself has made it clear they didn’t officially endorse Trump's campaign visit. An internal memo pointed out, "While we’ve not sought this, it’s a testimony to how much McDonald’s resonates with so many Americans. We are not red or blue – we are golden.” This implies they intend to remain neutral amid the chaotic backdrop of contemporary political discourse. The idea is to keep the focus on their product – those iconic fries – and not the prevailing political storm.
The franchise’s owner, Derek Giacomantonio, explained to various media outlets why he accepted Trump's visit. Local law enforcement approached him with the request, and, as he mentioned, it was about serving the community with delicious food. Giacomantonio stated, "It is fundamental to our organization’s values to proudly open our doors to everyone who visits the Feasterville community." This sentiment suggests the franchise's focus on inclusivity rather than political affiliation or impact.
Trump’s visit was part of his apparent strategy to bolster engagement and connect with voters as the presidential elections approach. He worked behind the counter, serving fries and engaging with customers, which also provided him with media exposure. This direct interaction with constituents is intended to sway opinions and bolster his campaign efforts. But, as we see, it also has consequences—both good and bad.
Social and political consequences aside, there’s something uniquely American about this blending of fast food and politics. It shows how the culinary world is often caught up with the social clamor of the political scene. How can we measure the impact of such visits? After all, as the saying goes, food brings people together. Yet, when it concerns politics, it can just as quickly tear them apart.
The online review phenomenon may speak volumes about the relationship between public opinion and customer service. Reviews offer platforms for people to express approval or disapproval, often marrying humor with biting critique. For small business owners who have to navigate these very waters, it can become tricky territory when high-profile individuals, like Trump, take the spotlight—albeit often for the wrong reasons.
Trump's interaction at McDonald’s may fade from our focus as the election cycles ramp up, yet it remains emblematic of the broader cultural narrative—where food, politics, and social media collide. One visit led to unexpected results, economic concerns, and public opinions expressed on platforms meant for sharing genuine dining experiences.
Even as political tensions rise leading to the conflict of socio-political interplay, what the story primarily reveals is the truth about American culture: everyone has something to say. The review trend exemplifies how traditional businesses now need to skillfully maneuver through the online sentiment fueled by social media’s viral nature. But will it all result in lasting effects on how companies engage with celebrities or politicians? Only time—and perhaps the next election outcome—will tell.
This saga reminds us of the influence of every little action and event, no matter how seemingly innocuous, from political figures to local restaurants. Whether invoking laughter, scorn, or commitment, this McDonald’s moment will be one the franchise—and maybe even Trump himself—won't soon forget.
