In a recent incident, Vice Presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance was reportedly kicked out of a Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar in North Versailles, Pennsylvania, where their planned visit to supporters was abruptly cut short by employees. The restaurant’s management was aware of the Trump-Vance campaign’s visit, but still refused them entry, claiming it was not a campaign stop and that JD was not allowed in. The campaign was threatened with police intervention if they did not leave, leading to Trump-Vance supporters booing as they were ushered out of the restaurant. This encounter stood in contrast to a previous visit by the Harris-Walz campaign, where employees allowed them to have a private event, prompting criticism from locals who were initially at the restaurant.
The Harris-Walz campaign’s visit to a Primanti Bros. location in Moon Township, Pennsylvania drew ire from locals who were kicked out of the restaurant, with the early closure being attributed to the arrival of the campaign entourage. Videos from inside the event showed Kamala Harris and Douglas Emhoff interacting with patrons, while outside, ousted customers and Trump supporters protested what they perceived as a staged campaign event. Accusations of employing “actors” were thrown at the campaign, highlighting the controversial nature of the private event. Despite the unfavorable treatment experienced by the Trump-Vance campaign at a different Primanti Bros. location, they were able to meet with supporters outside the restaurant, where Vance addressed the crowd and urged continued support for the local establishment.
Exclusive video footage obtained by Fox News Digital captured Vance conversing with Primanti Bros. employees following the incident, where he reportedly offered to cover the bill for the meal, along with a sizeable tip, emphasizing Trump’s proposal of no taxes on tips. Despite the contentious encounter, Vance maintained a positive attitude towards the establishment, urging supporters not to hold the incident against the worker who asked them to leave. In a show of solidarity, Vance assured the employee that they would cover the bill and generously tip, symbolizing a commitment to supporting local businesses. Fox News Digital reached out to Primanti Bros.’ main office in Pittsburgh for comment, but received no immediate response.
The contrasting treatment of the Trump-Vance and Harris-Walz campaigns at Primanti Bros. has sparked controversy, with supporters and locals expressing frustration over the perceived favoritism shown towards the latter. The incident highlights the heated nature of the 2024 campaign trail, where encounters between opposing political factions can easily escalate into confrontational situations. Despite facing resistance from restaurant employees, the Trump-Vance campaign managed to connect with supporters outside the establishment, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity. The incident at Primanti Bros. serves as a microcosm of the larger political landscape, where tensions run high and every interaction is scrutinized for signs of bias and discrimination.
As the 2024 election approaches, candidates and their campaigns face mounting challenges in navigating public appearances and engaging with supporters in a polarized environment. The incident at Primanti Bros. underscores the importance of maintaining composure and civility in the face of adversity, as political encounters can easily spiral into heated confrontations. By addressing the incident with grace and continuing to engage with supporters, the Trump-Vance campaign displayed a level of resilience and dedication to their cause. Moving forward, the candidates must navigate these challenges with strategic planning and a focus on building connections with voters, despite differing treatment at public venues. Ultimately, the response to such incidents can shape public perception and influence voter sentiment, underscoring the importance of maintaining a positive image and engaging in constructive dialogue.
