Few figures are as synonymous with golden arches in the world of fast food as former President Donald Trump. Known for his unabashed love of fast food, Trump’s dining habits have attracted both attention and concern, particularly among health experts. His daily diet often raises eyebrows, especially due to his tendency to skip breakfast and indulge in high-calorie dinners.
During his presidency, Trump treated the Clemson University football team to a feast of items from McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s, demonstrating his affection for these fast food giants. However, it seems McDonald’s holds a special place in his heart. His signature meal, which includes an impressive number of calories, could almost meet the daily calorie needs of an average adult male.
Despite the caloric content of his meals, Trump remains unfazed. He has often expressed his belief that fast food is a safer choice, especially when traveling. “I am a very clean person. I like cleanliness,” he told CNN in a 2016 interview. Trump maintains that it is better to eat at fast food restaurants than to dine at unfamiliar establishments where the quality of the food is uncertain. He highlighted the strict quality control measures in place at these chains, saying: “One bad hamburger, you can destroy McDonald’s.” One bad hamburger and you take Wendy’s and all these other places and they go out of business.
Trump’s affinity for fast food goes beyond simple taste; it also stems from a long-standing fear about food safety. In Michael Wolff’s book, “Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House,” it was revealed that Trump was afraid of being poisoned. This concern is one reason he prefers McDonald’s, where food is prepared in advance and there is less chance of unexpected surprises. Even though Trump reportedly lost weight heading into the 2024 election, he hasn’t given up his beloved McDonald’s.
When it comes to his order, Trump isn’t holding back. According to Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former senior adviser, his favorite meal consists of a Big Mac and a Filet-O-Fish, accompanied by fries and a vanilla milkshake. This order was highlighted in Kushner’s 2022 memoir, “Breaking History.” However, accounts of Trump’s favorite McDonald’s meal vary slightly among his former aides. In their book “Let Trump Be Trump,” Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie claim that Trump typically indulges in two burgers of each and prefers malted shakes to chocolate.
A recent Instagram post from Donald Trump Jr. once again confirmed his father’s fast food preferences. The post featured a photo of Trump sharing a McDonald’s meal with notable figures like Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aboard his private plane. In this case, Trump opted for the classic Big Mac and Filet-O-Fish combo, accompanied by large fries and a small orange soda, skipping the milkshake this time.
According to McDonald’s nutrition calculator, the meal Trump enjoyed on this occasion totaled 1,660 calories. If we include the 480 calories in the vanilla milkshake Kushner mentioned, Trump’s typical McDonald’s order could skyrocket to a staggering 2,140 calories in a single meal. This amount exceeds the recommended daily caloric intake for a sedentary man over 60 years old.
Also read: Reba McEntire looks unrecognizable without her iconic red hair
The implications of such a diet are significant, especially as Trump takes his health and fitness journey into the public eye. While he may be losing a few pounds in preparation for the upcoming elections, the reality of his eating habits raises questions about the sustainability of such a lifestyle.
As Trump continues to express his love for fast food, it remains to be seen what impact it will have on his health and public perception as he campaigns for the presidency once again. For now, his McDonald’s order remains a subject of fascination, highlighting the intersection of fast food culture and political life in America.