Generational Divide: Trump's McDonald's Shift Sparks Varied Responses, New Poll Reveals

ICARO Media Group
Politics
24/10/2024 22h42

**Trump's McDonald's Shift Draws Mixed Reactions Among Different Generations, Poll Shows**

Donald Trump's recent visit and stint at a McDonald's in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania, has elicited varying reactions across different generations, according to a new poll. The former President, already well-known for his fondness for fast food, stole the spotlight by learning how to make fries and holding an impromptu news conference at the drive-thru window last weekend.

This polling, conducted by Talker Research for Newsweek, surveyed 514 individuals between October 22 and 23. It reveals that Trump's McDonald's shift was particularly well-received by Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012). A surprising 39 percent of Gen Z respondents said the stunt increased their admiration for Trump, with 21 percent reporting they liked him much more and 18 percent somewhat more. In contrast, only 23 percent of Gen Z said the incident made them like Trump less, while 38 percent stated it had no impact on their opinion of him.

The survey indicates different reactions among other age groups as well. Across all generations, 30 percent said the McDonald's stint made them somewhat or much more favorable toward Trump. However, the majority of Baby Boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) and the Silent Generation (born between 1925 and 1945) felt otherwise. Among Baby Boomers, 23 percent said they liked Trump more following the event, while 25 percent liked him less. Similarly, within the Silent Generation, 14 percent felt more favorable towards Trump, while 28 percent viewed him less favorably.

The event drew significant attention, causing police to close nearby streets and cordon off the restaurant. A large crowd gathered, extending several blocks, with many supporters brandishing "Make America Great Again" flags and signs. Derek Giacomantonio, the franchise owner, expressed his support for Trump's visit, highlighting his commitment to welcoming everyone in the Feasterville community. He mentioned that he approved of Trump’s request to witness the transformative experience of working at McDonald's, an experience that 1 in 8 Americans share.

Trump’s McDonald's shift also featured a moment when he reprised his doubts about Vice President Kamala Harris's claims of working at McDonald's during her college years. Harris has frequently mentioned her brief stint at a McDonald's in Alameda, California, during a summer in the early 1980s. A Harris campaign spokesman countered Trump's claims by pointing out that Trump, who inherited millions, likely cannot relate to the necessity of holding a summer job for financial support.

Newsweek reached out to representatives for both Trump and Harris for further comments. The findings from this poll present a nuanced view of how different generations perceive Trump's fast-food foray, reflecting broader generational divides in political opinions.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

Related