Trump praises McDonald’s pricing moves while defending his tax reforms at investor summit
Former US President Donald Trump addressed a McDonald’s Investment Summit this week, discussing economic policies and his views on inflation. His speech included praise for the fast-food chain’s recent pricing strategies while also defending his administration’s tax reforms.
Trump highlighted his long-standing connection to the brand, calling himself one of McDonald’s most loyal customers.
During the summit, Trump blamed rising inflation on the Biden administration, claiming his own presidency had kept prices stable. He pointed to McDonald’s recent decision to lower combo meal prices and reintroduce Extra Value Meals as a positive move.
He also took credit for clarifying the 'joint employer' rule, which holds franchisors like McDonald’s legally responsible for franchisees’ employment decisions. This change had previously drawn criticism from business groups.
Trump then turned to his 2017 tax overhaul, the so-called Big Beautiful Bill. He emphasised provisions like 100% bonus depreciation for business assets and the controversial 'no taxes on tips' rule. The latter had led McDonald’s to leave the National Restaurant Association after the company faced backlash.
Meanwhile, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski has not publicly commented on the tax exemptions for tips and overtime. Instead, his recent statements have focused on how inflation affects low-income customers and how the company is adjusting its pricing strategies in response.
Trump closed by reiterating his personal fondness for McDonald’s, joking that he had been a devoted customer long before entering politics.
The summit underscored Trump’s continued influence on business policies, particularly those affecting franchises. His remarks also came as McDonald’s navigates economic pressures, with recent price cuts aimed at attracting budget-conscious diners.
The fast-food giant’s exit from the restaurant association over the tip-tax debate remains unresolved, leaving franchise owners to adapt to shifting regulations.
Read also:
- American teenagers taking up farming roles previously filled by immigrants, a concept revisited from 1965's labor market shift.
- Weekly affairs in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Landslide claims seven lives, injures six individuals while they work to restore a water channel in the northern region of Pakistan
- Escalating conflict in Sudan has prompted the United Nations to announce a critical gender crisis, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the ongoing violence on women and girls.
