Trump promises ‘prices are coming down’ in speech to owners of his beloved McDonald’s: ‘You’re so damn lucky I won’

During a recent address at the McDonald’s Impact Summit in Washington, D.C., former President Donald Trump assured an audience of McDonald’s owners, operators, and suppliers that “prices are coming down.” His remarks underscored a key theme of his public appearances, linking economic stability and consumer affordability directly to his political tenure, stating, “You’re so damn lucky I won”.

Addressing Economic Concerns

The speech by former President Trump arrived amidst ongoing public concern regarding the cost of living and inflation rates. Trump asserted that his administration had successfully managed economic challenges, claiming to have “normal inflation” after inheriting “the highest inflation in the history of our country”. He further stated, “I will tell you that nobody has done what we’ve done in terms of pricing”.

While inflation reportedly ticked up to 3% in September over the past 12 months, marking the highest rate since the beginning of the year, Trump expressed a commitment to further reductions. He stated, “We have it down to a low level… But we’re going to get it a little bit lower. We want perfection.” The former president also highlighted actions taken during his administration, such as easing tariffs on imports of beef, coffee, tropical fruits, and other food products, intended to alleviate affordability pressures.

The “Big Mac” Index and Food Costs

To illustrate the broader economic landscape impacting consumers, the Economist’s “Big Mac” index offers a tangible example. This informal index, which tracks the average price of McDonald’s iconic burger, showed the sandwich costing $6.01 in July, an increase from $5.69 a year prior. This rise in price aligns with broader trends in food commodities, as data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis indicated that the average cost of ground beef surged to $6.32 in September, up from $5.67 a year before. Despite these figures, Trump conveyed optimism, noting that McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski had informed him that “prices at McDonald’s are coming down”.

A “Beloved McDonald’s” and a Political Message

Throughout his address, Trump emphasized his personal connection to the fast-food chain, describing himself as “one of your all-time, most loyal customers”. He also injected a political dimension into his economic assurances, declaring that the economy would have faced a “catastrophe” and the country potentially gone “bankrupt” had he lost the election to former Vice President Kamala Harris. This conviction led to his pointed remark to the audience: “You are so damn lucky that I won that election”.

Recalling a past campaign event where he served french fries at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, Trump humorously referred to himself as “the very first former McDonald’s frycook to ever become president of the United States,” adding, “It was not that easy!” He commended McDonald’s employees, suggesting they “know the people of our country better than anybody,” due to their daily interactions. He painted a picture of McDonald’s as a community hub, serving “hot coffee to construction workers, nurses and police officers” in the mornings, providing “fast dinner and the smile for busy moms and their children” in the evenings, and being “the only one still glowing when the long haul trucker pulls up for a good meal” late at night. As for his own preferences, Trump shared his fondness for the Filet-O-Fish, with a specific request: “You could do a little bit more tartar sauce”.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s speech to the McDonald’s Impact Summit combined economic projections with personal anecdotes and political messaging. His promise that “prices are coming down” was presented against a backdrop of inflation concerns, with the former president asserting his role in steering the economy towards greater stability and affordability. The address served as a reiteration of his economic platform, intertwined with a distinct appreciation for the ubiquitous presence and role of McDonald’s in American life.