Tim Walz criticizes Donald Trump's McDonald's 'publicity stunt', says ex-POTUS disrespected workers
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA: Tim Walz has criticized Donald Trump’s recent McDonald’s drive-thru appearance, calling it a “publicity stunt” and accusing him of “pandering” to middle-class voters.
Walz’s remarks came during his first-ever appearance on 'The View', where he slammed Trump for what he described as a disrespectful act toward fast-food workers.
Gov. @Tim_Walz: "[Vice Pres. Harris] actually worked in a McDonald's. She didn't go and pander and disrespect McDonald's workers by standing there in your red tie and take a picture. [Trump's] policies are the ones that undermine those very workers that were in that McDonald's." pic.twitter.com/axYqbAOILo
— The View (@TheView) October 21, 2024
Tim Walz calls out Donald Trump’s 'stunt'
Donald Trump made headlines over the weekend when he briefly worked at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania on Sunday, October 20. Donning an apron, he served food to drive-thru customers.
The move appeared to be an attempt to mock Vice President Kamala Harris, who has previously stated that she worked at a McDonald’s during her college years.
The former president has repeatedly questioned Harris’ claim, accusing her of lying about her experience.
During his appearance on 'The View', Walz told the hosts, "Kamala Harris actually worked in a McDonald’s."
"She didn’t go and pander and disrespect McDonald’s workers by standing there in your red tie and take a picture," he added.
Tim Walz criticizes Donald Trump’s policies
While Donald Trump’s appearance may have delighted his supporters, including those on Fox News who praised the moment a McDonald’s employee showed Trump how to fry fries as “touching,” Tim Walz made a different argument.
He criticized the former president’s policies, arguing that Trump’s actions at the drive-thru were a far cry from genuinely addressing the concerns of working-class Americans.
“His policies are the ones that undermine those very workers that were in that McDonald’s,” said Walz, pointing out issues such as healthcare, reproductive rights, and the cost of living.
He further argued that Trump’s agenda has done little to benefit middle-class workers.
"There’s more work to be done [on the economy], but just to be very clear, nothing Donald Trump is proposing does anything about the middle class," noted Walz.
McDonald’s stays neutral over presidential election
Meanwhile, McDonald’s sought to distance itself from the political spectacle.
In an internal memo obtained by CNN, the fast food giant clarified that the company "does not endorse candidates for elected office."
The memo emphasized McDonald’s commitment to neutrality, stating, “We are not red or blue—we are golden.”
Walz’s broader point during his 'The View' interview was that Trump’s actions in Pennsylvania, while designed to create a relatable image, don’t reflect the reality of his policies.
He argued that Trump’s record on key issues like healthcare and housing affordability has hurt the very middle-class workers he claims to champion, according to The Daily Beast.
