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Trump’s Favorite Restaurant Raises Prices On Him?

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Trump’s policies will clash with his personal love of this favorite brand.

McDonald’s, the beloved fast-food giant, is facing a perfect storm of economic challenges, and some of the policies proposed by President-Elect Donald Trump could make things worse—especially for everyday Americans looking for a good deal at the Golden Arches.

Trump has been a vocal fan of McDonald’s, often seen enjoying the chain’s iconic meals. From campaign stops to meals aboard Air Force One, the Trumps, along with prominent figures like Elon Musk, have been frequent visitors. But McDonald’s customers, including the Trump family, may soon find their favorite meals more expensive due to a combination of rising costs and new economic policies, particularly tariffs that Trump has threatened to impose once in office.

Trump has vowed to bring down inflation and boost American manufacturing, but his proposed tariffs on Chinese goods, as well as a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, could have the opposite effect. Experts warn that such tariffs would likely raise prices across the board, adding at least 1% to consumer inflation. This would squeeze U.S. businesses, including fast-food chains like McDonald’s, which are already grappling with increased labor and supply costs.

Over the last few years, McDonald’s has been forced to raise prices significantly. Menu items are up an average of 40% since 2019, with staples like Big Macs and McNuggets seeing price hikes of 21% and 28%, respectively. This has put a strain on McDonald’s core customers—many of whom are from lower-income households. The company’s CEO, Chris Kempczinski, has acknowledged that the higher prices have led to fewer visits from these key demographic groups.

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To counteract this, McDonald’s is launching the “McValue” initiative, featuring budget-friendly meal deals like the $5 Meal Deal and Buy One, Get One for $1 offers. However, with supply chain challenges and rising labor costs, the success of these initiatives could be limited, especially if Trump’s tariffs further inflate prices.

The international side of the equation also poses a risk for McDonald’s. Trump’s tariff policies could spark a trade war with China, which would be disastrous for McDonald’s expansion plans in the region. The fast-food chain already operates nearly 6,000 stores in China, and its goal is to reach 10,000 by 2028. However, tensions with China could hinder McDonald’s ability to expand in one of its largest markets.

While Trump’s “America First” trade policies are aimed at bolstering U.S. manufacturing, they could have unintended consequences for both consumers and businesses. McDonald’s, a brand that prides itself on affordability and accessibility, may struggle to maintain its commitment to low prices if the costs of goods, labor, and international trade continue to rise. It’s a tough balance: while the president-elect aims to defend American workers and industries, his proposed tariffs may ultimately make it harder for American families to get the value they expect from their favorite fast-food chains.

In the end, while McDonald’s may continue to serve up burgers and fries, the cost of those meals could rise, limiting the very value it promises its customers. President Trump’s policies might achieve their goal of reshoring jobs, but at what cost to consumers who are already feeling the strain of inflation and rising living expenses? Only time will tell if the Golden Arches will continue to shine brightly for middle-class America or become yet another casualty of an increasingly complex global trade war.