When French Cuffs Met French Fries: Trump's McDonald's Story
Long before his presidency and real estate empire, Donald Trump had a brief but memorable stint with McDonald's that perfectly encapsulated his flair for mixing luxury with mainstream America. In 1974, Trump attended the McDonald's management training program in Hamburger University, Illinois, bringing his signature style to the golden arches.
According to accounts from that period, Trump stood out among his fellow trainees by wearing expensive suits with French cuffs while learning to flip burgers and operate the fry station. This unusual combination of high-end fashion and fast-food operations became a talking point among his colleagues and trainers.
The future president's involvement with McDonald's was part of a potential business venture. Trump was exploring the possibility of becoming a franchisee, considering it as an investment opportunity. However, his time with the fast-food giant was short-lived, as he ultimately decided to focus on real estate development, following in his father's footsteps.
The experience, though brief, offers an interesting glimpse into Trump's early business approach - maintaining his luxury brand image while engaging with mainstream American business opportunities. Years later, Trump would become known for his appreciation of McDonald's food, particularly during his presidency, where his love for Big Macs and Quarter Pounders became widely reported.
This peculiar chapter in Trump's career history serves as an early example of his knack for generating publicity and his ability to make even the most ordinary situations extraordinary - a trait that would later become his trademark in business and politics.
