Outrage as Trump receives ‘french fry certification pin’ during visit to hurricane-hit NC town

SWANNANOA, NORTH CAROLINA: Former president Donald Trump was awarded a commemorative pin for his attempt at making french fries at a McDonald's outlet, by Rep Chuck Edwards (R-NC) on Monday, October 21, reported Mediaite.

The GOP nominee spent the day in North Carolina to survey the damage done by Hurricane Helene last month. Being awarded the 'french fry certification pin' while standing amidst the devastated town of Swannanoa painted a picture of sharp contrast, and earned Trump the ire of netizens on social media.

Trump's service at the McDonald's outlet in Pennsylvania on Sunday was notably a staged event, with the store being closed off to the public for the day, and the customers who were present were vetted by Trump's team.

Chuck Edwards awards Donald Trump pin for McDonald's stint

During a news conference to thank Donald Trump for visiting North Carolina, Congressman Chuck Edwards chose to honor him for his "skills" behind the McDonald's counter, as he himself owns some outlets of the franchise.

Edwards praised Trump “for taking the time to come to western North Carolina".

"We’ve seen other folks do a flyover. It is so heartening to see you here with some dust on your shoes, actually seeing what’s taken place.”

“It means so much to the folks here whose lives have been turned upside down, whose homes have been destroyed, who's lost loved ones, whose businesses have been destroyed," he continued.

"We’re so incredibly honored that you’re going to help keep the emphasis on us rebuilding this beautiful community."

Striking a different note, Edwards announced, "For those of you who did not get to see it, I offered, because you know, I also own McDonald’s restaurants... I know that you perfected your skills behind the counter a day or so ago. And it was my honor to present President Trump with the French Fries Certification Pin."

"So, thank you so much for being here, God bless you," he concluded, shaking Trump's hands.

“Thank you very much, that’s really nice,” Trump responded.

Internet calls Donald Trump 'pathetic' for showing off pin

Netizens reacting to the news on the social media platform X slammed Donald Trump for being commemorated for his stunt at McDonald's.

"French fry certification what? What Trump did yesterday was an insult to all restaurant employees," wrote a user.

"This is pathetic," stated another.

"He couldn’t even handle a full shift. It was all rehearsed," observed a third.

"If Trump is gonna clown himself, he might as well suit up the whole way," mocked a fourth with a meme.

"This may be the most tone-deaf thing ever done by a candidate," claimed a fifth user.

"This man just wants constant praise and attention. What an empty soul he is," chided yet another.

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