McDonald's says it doesn't endorse political candidates after Trump visit

(The Hill) -- McDonald's is emphasizing its political neutrality after former President Donald Trump spent some time behind the counter at one of its Pennsylvania locations.

The fast-food giant released a statement on Monday, saying: "McDonald’s does not endorse candidates for elected office and that remains true in this race for the next President. We are not red or blue — we are golden."

McDonald's also confirmed that Trump's request to visit the Pennsylvania location was handled at the franchise level.

"Upon learning of the former President's request, we approached it through the lens of one of our core values: we open our doors to everyone," the statement read. "It's with that same approach that franchisees have invited Vice President Harris and [Minnesota] Governor [Tim] Walz to their restaurants, in order to share how McDonald's provides meaningful pathways to economic opportunity and feeds and fosters local communities."

In Bucks County on Sunday, Trump worked the drive-thru and manned the fry station for a short time after spending weeks mocking Harris's past experience working for McDonald's.

During his stop in Pennsylvania, Trump claimed that Harris was never actually employed by the fast-food chain. However, on Monday, Harris dismissed that claim when a reporter asked, "Madam Vice President, did you work at a McDonald's?" to which she replied, "Did I? I did."

The Harris campaign launched an ad in August highlighting her upbringing in an effort to appeal to middle-class voters, noting that Harris worked at McDonald’s while earning her college degree at Howard University. She had referenced the experience during past campaigns as well. 

“Though we are not a political brand, we’ve been proud to hear former President Trump’s love for McDonald’s and Vice President Harris’s fond memories working under the arches,” the company said Monday. 

Nexstar's Ashleigh Jackson contributed to this story.