WATCH: Trump delivers remarks at the McDonald's Impact Summit

Key Concepts

• McDonald's as a symbol of American success and values: The speech repeatedly emphasizes McDonald's as a globally recognized icon of American achievement, hard work, and aspiration.
• Economic policies and their impact: The speaker highlights specific economic policies, particularly tax cuts and deregulation, and claims they have led to job growth, reduced inflation, and increased investment in the U.S.
• "America First" and trade protectionism: The speaker advocates for policies like tariffs to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. and renegotiate trade deals.
• Deregulation and its benefits: The speech details the removal of various regulations, particularly those related to energy and water usage, claiming they were burdensome and detrimental to businesses.
• Tax cuts and their benefits for businesses and individuals: The speaker emphasizes the "great big beautiful bill" and its provisions for businesses, including expensing and the elimination of the estate tax.
• Restoration of American strength and respect: The speaker asserts that under his leadership, America has regained respect on the global stage and its economy is stronger than ever.

McDonald's: A Pillar of American Greatness

The speaker begins by expressing honor and congratulations to the McDonald's employees and franchisees, calling them the "heart and soul" of one of the world's most successful companies. He humorously notes his unique position as the "very first former McDonald's fry cook ever to become president of the United States," contrasting his experience with that of Kamala Harris. He also acknowledges the viral success of a skit he did for McDonald's, which garnered significant online attention, crediting Google founders Sundar and Sergey for their recognition.

The speaker contrasts his current unpaid service to McDonald's with the millions of dollars celebrities used to be paid for similar appearances. He declares himself a "loyal customer," recounting how he and his team exclusively ate McDonald's during campaign travel, even converting Bobby Kennedy to enjoy a Big Mac. He thanks McDonald's Chairman and CEO Chris Kamchinsky and USA President Joe Erlinger, as well as representatives from the International Franchise Association and two former McDonald's operators now serving in Congress, Kevin Hearn and Chuck Edwards.

He praises the franchisees as the "heart and soul" who carry on Ray Kroc's commitment to "Perfection." He quotes Kroc, "if you think small, you'll stay small," attributing McDonald's success to its big-thinking approach. The speaker highlights McDonald's immense reach, feeding "an incredible 1% of the entire world population" daily (70 million meals) and noting that "one in eight Americans works behind the counter of a McDonald's franchise at some point in their lives." He frames McDonald's as a pathway to the "American dream" for millions.

Economic Triumphs and "The Golden Age of America"

The speaker then pivots to his administration's economic achievements, declaring it the "golden age of America." He claims prices are coming down and that his administration inherited a situation with the "highest inflation in the history of our country" (48 years), which has now been "normalized" to a low level. He cites Walmart's announcement of a 25% decrease in Thanksgiving costs compared to the previous year under "Sleepy Joe Biden" as evidence. He also states that McDonald's prices are coming down rapidly, with their CEO confirming a 40% increase due to Biden's inflation, now reversing.

A key statistic presented is the "$17 trillion being invested in our country in nine months," projected to reach "$20 to $21 trillion" by the end of the year. This is described as "10 times the highest amount ever invested in any country ever before," attributed to tariffs and the upcoming election. These investments are seen as bringing back car factories, AI, and other industries due to the deterrent effect of tariffs (15-100%). He contrasts this with the previous administration, which he claims saw less than one trillion invested and would have experienced a ten trillion dollar outflow if re-elected, leading to a "catastrophe" and a "bankrupt country."

The Fabric of American Life: McDonald's and Everyday Americans

The speaker paints a vivid picture of McDonald's role in American life, describing how franchisees serve "hot coffee to construction workers, nurses, and police officers" in the early morning and provide "fast dinner and a smile for busy moms and their children" in the evening. He also notes McDonald's as a late-night haven for "longhaul truckers." He expresses a preference for Coca-Cola made with "real sugar," a practice he encouraged the company to adopt.

He recounts a humorous anecdote about changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America," emphasizing the speed and ease with which he claims to have accomplished this. He then details his experience making French fries and serving customers at a McDonald's during a campaign stop, describing the "incredible" and "amazing" response from people who were surprised to see him. He contrasts this event's success with a garbage truck skit, stating the McDonald's event was "not even a contest" due to the "power of McDonald's."

Job Growth, Border Security, and Wage Increases

The speaker asserts that "1.9 million more American-born workers are employed today than when I took office," calling this an unprecedented achievement. He also claims "the strongest borders in the history of our country," with people only entering legally. He states that "wages for hourly workers are rising at the fastest pace in 60 years." He highlights lifting "over 600,000 Americans off of food stamp" in nine months as a record, attributing it to a strong economy and the building of "thousands and thousands of factories." He predicts the return of the auto industry, with companies coming from Mexico, Canada, Germany, and Japan, citing a $650 billion deal with Japan and a $950 billion deal with the European Union. He also mentions a deal with China for soybean purchases worth "hundreds of billions of dollars." He claims the world is no longer laughing at the U.S. but respects it.

Economic Policies and Their Impact on McDonald's

The speaker criticizes the previous administration's economic policies, stating that "100% of all new jobs created in America under my administration have been created in the private sector," contrasting this with what he calls "phony job numbers" from the previous administration. He reiterates that his first term saw the "greatest economy in the history of the world" and that the current economic performance is even stronger.

He pledges to make Americans "richer, stronger, more successful, happier" and to ensure they get "a piece of the American dream." He criticizes Democrats for their "affordability" rhetoric, claiming their policies led to the "worst inflation in history" and higher prices. He specifically addresses the price of coffee, acknowledging it's "a little high" but promising to bring it down. He recalls an "egg crisis" upon taking office, where prices quadrupled, but claims his administration resolved it by Easter, making eggs plentiful and affordable.

Military Strength and International Relations

The speaker boasts about rebuilding the military and producing the "greatest military equipment anywhere in the world." He recounts the successful operation to eliminate Iran's nuclear capability using B2 bombers and submarine-launched rockets, emphasizing the precision and effectiveness of the mission. He highlights the pilots' dedication, having practiced the mission for 22 years. He also mentions the establishment of a "Board of Peace" approved by the United Nations, which he will chair, comprising leaders of important nations.

Addressing Inflation and Energy Prices

The speaker directly links "Biden's prices and his hikes" to a "$33,000" cost for the typical American family. He asserts that his administration is "ending" the affordability crisis, with energy prices significantly down. He states that lower energy prices, like gasoline at "$2 a gallon" or "$2.50 to $2.70," act as a "massive tax cut" and affect the cost of all goods, including those produced by McDonald's. He credits his administration's "drill, baby drill" policy for producing more oil and gas than ever before, leading to falling prices. He notes that McDonald's prices are coming down, but acknowledges that they were so high previously that customers are not yet fully satisfied.

He provides specific data on inflation reduction: "core inflation has been the lowest in just about eight years." He states that "in the past six months, the price of breakfast items has fallen 14%," with bread and dairy prices also down, and egg prices declining "86% since March." He thanks McDonald's for "slashing prices for your most popular items, bringing back extra value meals and recommitting to the affordable options."

Tax Cuts and Business Support

The speaker contrasts his administration's tax policies with those of Democrats, stating he "proudly gave you the largest tax cuts in American history" with the "great big beautiful bill." This bill includes "no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and no tax on social security." He describes the bill as the "biggest piece of legislation ever passed," offering "expensing" for businesses to write off costs in one year instead of 38-40 years. He estimates that a typical waiter, waitress, or police officer will take home "$2,000 extra each year" due to these tax cuts.

He emphasizes "permanent expensing" for 10 years, a provision he initially wanted for two years for immediate results. He also mentions expanded tax relief for franchisees and the permanent pass-through deduction. Crucially, he highlights the "virtually eliminated the unfair estate tax or death tax," allowing family businesses to be passed down without significant tax burdens. He uses the example of farmers facing bankruptcy due to estate taxes and some committing suicide, stating his administration has "ended, think of that, the death tax, the estate tax on the small businesses."

Regulatory Reform and Business Freedom

The speaker details his administration's approach to regulation, requiring the elimination of "10 old job killing regulations" for every new one introduced. He specifically mentions lifting "water restrictions" that prevented adequate water usage for washing hands, hair, and in dishwashers and washing machines. He criticizes the previous administration for re-implementing these restrictions and claims his administration has "unrestricted again" access to "unlimited water to clean your damn dishes."

He also states that his administration "rescinded the insane Biden energy regulations on ovens, cooktops, microwaves, and ice makers that were driving your cost through the roof." He claims that combining regulatory and tax cuts has reduced the "effective burden on franchises by more than 37%." He criticizes the previous administration for "destroying your businesses" with regulations.

Defending the Franchise Model and Joint Employer Rule

A significant point of emphasis is the termination of "Obama's infamous joint employer rule," which he describes as a "mortal threat to the franchise business model" and "death to businesses like yours." He states that he ended this rule, calling it one of the most important things ever done for franchisees. He pledges to "always defend your right to run your own small business."

Case Study: Carlos Matios Senior

The speaker highlights Carlos Matios Senior as an example of an American success story. Carlos escaped communist Cuba at age six, worked various jobs, became a police officer, and in 1998, took over his first McDonald's. He is described as having a "knack for turning around poorly performing restaurants" and now owns "nearly 60 McDonald's all along the east coast, including at the Pentagon." His son, Carlos Jr., who started as a cashier, now runs dozens of the restaurants. The speaker recalls serving McDonald's to the Clemson Tigers football team at the White House, with Carlos providing "dozens of quarter pounders."

Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence and Future Prosperity

The speaker concludes by urging the audience to "carry on and really just keep going and inspiring that legacy and that pride." He traces McDonald's origins to "two hard-working brothers with a hamburger stand in California" partnering with an entrepreneur to "revolutionize the restaurant business forever." He states that 70 years later, McDonald's is the "number one fast food restaurant in the entire world" and is "still growing stronger with 900 new restaurants planned in the United States in the next two years alone." He believes the "great big beautiful bill" might even double that number.

He contrasts McDonald's growth with larger companies that can become "slow, fat, and sloppy," stating McDonald's has become "more and more competitive." He emphasizes McDonald's spirit, generosity, and devotion to communities, making it a "symbol of American values, aspiration, and success that's recognized all over the world." He equates the recognition of McDonald's with that of the "stars and stripes themselves."

He reiterates that "together, we're going to pioneer new heights, new prosperity." He points to the stock market hitting "all-time high 48 times in a row in nine months" as an indicator of economic strength, benefiting everyone, including 401ks. He contrasts his administration's focus on the "American dream" with the previous administration's perceived lack of focus on it. He concludes by promising an administration that "has your back" and does not seek to "put you out of business," vowing to make "America richer, stronger, prouder, and happier than ever before."