President Donald Trump delivered a high-energy address at the McDonald’s Impact Summit on Monday, drawing sharp contrasts between his policies and the Biden administration—and throwing in a joke about being a “former fry cook.”
Trump addresses affordability, jobs, and franchise relief
Speaking in Washington, D.C., Trump outlined the economic progress his administration has made since taking office in 2025. He highlighted falling food prices, faster wage growth, and record support for franchise businesses.
“The Biden Administration started the affordability crisis — and my Administration is ending it,” Trump said, citing a 14% drop in breakfast item prices and an 86% decline in egg prices since March.
Other key remarks included:
- 1.9 million more American-born workers are employed since Trump took office.
- Hourly wages are rising at the fastest pace in 60 years.
- Trump claimed credit for cutting over $1 trillion in federal regulations.
- His “One Big Beautiful Bill” eliminated taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security for seniors.
A McDonald’s loyalist—and maybe not a former fry cook
The moment that grabbed the most attention came early in his speech:
“I’m honored to stand before you as the very first former McDonald’s fry cook ever to become President of the United States.”
While clearly delivered as a humorous aside, there is no public record that Donald Trump ever worked at McDonald’s or held a job as a fry cook. The comment appears to be tongue-in-cheek, fitting Trump’s well-documented affinity for the fast-food chain rather than a factual claim about his work history.
Still, the McDonald’s crowd responded warmly. Trump emphasized his long-standing support for the brand:
“As you may have heard, I’m also one of your all-time most loyal customers… On Trump Force One, we serve only McDonald’s almost every time.”
Small business support at the center
Throughout the speech, Trump underscored his administration’s efforts to lift burdens off franchise owners and small businesses.
- He reiterated his repeal of the Obama-era “joint employer rule,” calling it a “mortal threat” to franchise operations.
- He claimed his administration has cut the effective regulatory burden on franchisees by more than 37%.
Trump also said he’s fighting for an economy where “everyone can win—from the cashier starting her first job to the franchisee opening his first location.”
Campaign-style rhetoric with a policy punch
While billed as a business summit speech, Trump’s remarks also previewed key themes likely to drive his re-election campaign: lower taxes, deregulation, and blue-collar accessibility.
His closing pledge: “I will not rest until you are richer, stronger, more successful, happier, until you’ve gotten a piece of the American Dream… That begins with making America affordable.”
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