In a recent address at the McDonald’s Impact Summit, President Donald Trump urged Republicans to shift their focus toward addressing the rising costs that are increasingly burdening Americans. At the summit, which gathered franchise owners, suppliers, and operators, Trump emphasized his administration’s efforts to alleviate these economic pressures. This call to action comes in the wake of significant Republican electoral defeats, including the high-profile New York City mayoral race and gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia. These losses have prompted the party to reevaluate its priorities nearly a year into Trump’s administration.

The defeat in New York City, where democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani won decisively with a campaign centered on affordability, has particularly influenced the White House’s strategic shift. Trump’s remarks at the summit reflected a new focus, moving from highlighting policy achievements to developing a domestic agenda aimed at reducing living costs, especially concerning essentials like food and fuel. Addressing the audience of McDonald’s operators, Trump stated, “As president, I want you to know that I’m fighting every day to support businesses like yours and the citizens that we all serve.” He also drew a parallel between this era and McDonald’s iconic branding, calling it the “golden age of America,” asserting that “prices are coming down.”

During his speech, Trump acknowledged the role of McDonald’s in providing affordable meals, a necessity for many during times of economic strain. He humorously recounted persuading Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., known for his health-conscious lifestyle, to enjoy a McDonald’s burger. Reflecting on a memorable moment from his 2024 campaign trail, Trump spoke about working the drive-through at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, serving burgers and fries to delighted customers. “The response was incredible, almost like I knew I was going to win,” he shared, highlighting the warmth and enthusiasm he encountered. “When I saw that, I knew, because the response was love.”

McDonald’s has been a willing partner to help the president make food less affordable. Earlier this year, it was reported that the franchise is subsidizing its Extra Value Meal, which includes a sandwich, fries and a drink for just a few bucks to entice low-income customers back to the Golden Arches. An admin official confirmed to the Daily Mail how it is ‘so important to consumers and elected officials [that] our franchisees and company are co-investing to bring extra value and affordability to our customers.’ Rising food costs are a major concern for Americans.

A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll from last month found that a majority of respondents are paying higher prices for groceries and utilities. Also in attendance at the summit were a slew of top Democrats. New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, former ambassador and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Congressman Pete Aguilar of California were also at the event. In addition, the president highlighted his past work to enable US spending. He mentioned how his Big Beautiful Bill, passed in July, cut tax on tips, overtime and social security. The president has recently floated a slate of ideas to help Americans, including $2,000 stimulus checks from tariff revenue for those making $100,000 or less each year, cutting drug prices and announcing probes into the meatpacking industry.

‘I have asked the DOJ to immediately begin an investigation into the Meat Packing Companies who are driving up the price of Beef through Illicit Collusion, Price Fixing, and Price Manipulation,’ Trump posted on social media earlier this month. ‘Action must be taken immediately to protect Consumers, combat Illegal Monopolies, and ensure these Corporations are not criminally profiting at the expense of the American People.’

Beef has risen to record prices in recent months as the US cattle supply has slipped to its lowest number in 70 years and demand for the meat has skyrocketed . Last Friday, the Trump administration took steps to roll back its tariffs on key foods to help customers reeling from higher costs. Beef, coffee, and dozens of other staples were exempted from tariffs in the most recent move. In August, the administration similarly lifted tariffs on fruits, nuts and spices.