Trump’s McDonald’s Shift: Marketing Win or Publicity Flop?

Donald Trump’s visit to a Pennsylvania McDonald’s unexpectedly spotlighted the fast-food chain, adding brand visibility through free publicity.

At a Glance

Trump visited a McDonald’s in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania.
The visit was part of Trump’s campaign activities.
A large crowd gathered despite the restaurant being closed to the public.
Trump expressed surprise at the fry-making process.

Spontaneous Celebrity Visits

Donald Trump made an impromptu visit to a McDonald’s in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania, where he worked the fry station and held a news conference. This event fit into Trump’s campaign agenda, positioned to counter Vice President Kamala Harris’s known work at the chain during her college years. Interestingly, Trump expressed surprise at modern fry-making processes, admiring the operations while interacting with a closed-off restaurant but a considerably interested crowd gathered outside.

Trump’s appearance drew public interest, inadvertently amplifying McDonald’s media coverage and resulting in significant free advertising. Such coverage exemplifies the dramatic blend of politics, celebrity, and business marketing potential realized from this single, unforeseen visit.

Marketing Impact

Brands like McDonald’s can benefit immensely when celebrities choose to engage with their environments voluntarily. The event shows the marketing value of Trump’s fame as it captured widespread attention. Businesses recognize the publicity received through such interactions is impactful. The McDonald’s franchise owner, delighted with the event turnout and media attention, emphasized inclusivity. The concentrated attention on social media and traditional news outlets provided McDonald’s with a platform to highlight their offerings without spending on advertising campaigns.

Trump, throughout his short shift, humorously remarked that he worked at McDonald’s longer than Harris ever did. Although Trump’s main goal appeared to involve countering narratives from opposition candidates, the resulting media buzz translated into increased publicity for McDonald’s franchise operations and the Trump campaign itself.

Donald Trump serves fries at McDonald’s.

pic.twitter.com/AGV1BRb9h3

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 20, 2024

Celebrity Influence

Celebrity interactions often influence consumer interest and brand perception. Trump’s visit demonstrated this by garnering extensive media traction, forming a case study on the marketing strength celebrities wield. His interaction with staff, offering praise and good humor, spotlighted the work ethic present within the establishment. This goodwill element added a positive aura around McDonald’s branding and highlighted Trump’s approachable image.

“It requires great expertise, actually, to do it right and to do it fast.” Donald Trump said of the experience.

Ultimately, McDonald’s finds itself well-positioned to capitalize on this surge in visibility, perhaps incorporating the exposure into ongoing marketing strategies. As celebrities like Trump choose to interact with businesses, the resulting buzz can serve as a potent advertising opportunity, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between fame and commerce.