MSNBC and other left-wing media outlets criticized Donald Trump’s recent campaign appearance at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s as a “stunt” and “bizarre.” They questioned his mental faculties and even critiqued his french fry-salting technique, leading to backlash from online critics who found the attacks to be weak. Despite the criticism, Trump’s appearance at the fast-food chain was well-received by delighted customers, with Trump engaging in small talk and taking jabs at his opponent Kamala Harris.
Other media outlets, including Rolling Stone and The New York Times, also joined in on the trolling of Trump’s McDonald’s visit, calling it “bizarre” and criticizing his attire and lack of culinary experience. MSNBC’s “Alex Witt Reports” featured an unhinged critique of the campaign stop, with host Alex Witt and guest Rep. Barbara Lee insinuating that Trump’s visit to McDonald’s was illogical and a stunt. Lee also expressed concerns about Trump’s mental well-being and labeled him as a threat to democracy.
NBC News focused on dissecting the security measures taken by the campaign ahead of Trump’s McDonald’s stopover, highlighting that the passengers of cars at the drive-thru were screened and searched. This attention to security measures was likely due to the fact that Trump had faced assassination attempts in recent months. Many critics of the media’s coverage of Trump’s McDonald’s visit viewed the attacks as elitist and out of touch, with one user pointing out the hypocrisy of praising Kamala Harris for her border visit despite it being perceived as late.
The backlash against MSNBC and other left-wing outlets continued to grow on social media, with users mocking the media’s obsession with criticizing Trump for his everyday activities. Critics found it entertaining to see the left-wing media meltdown over Trump simply working at a McDonald’s, with some joking that he was just handing out Happy Meals. Despite the media’s attempts to paint Trump’s visit as a negative political stunt, it seemed to resonate positively with many Americans who appreciated seeing a former president engage with ordinary citizens in a casual setting.
Overall, the media’s response to Donald Trump’s McDonald’s appearance reflects a broader trend of bias and partisanship in coverage of political figures. The heavy criticism and mocking of Trump’s visit highlight the disconnect between the media elite and everyday Americans who view such interactions in a more positive light. Despite attempts to portray Trump’s campaign stop as bizarre or worrying, it ultimately showcased his ability to engage with voters in a relatable manner, further cementing his appeal among his base and showcasing a stark contrast to the elitist attitudes of the media pundits.
