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CNN
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McDonald's has been pushed into the 2024 election and drew particular attention over the weekend when former President Donald Trump served fries at a location in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania. But McDonald's had nothing to do with Trump's visit.

The company operates on a franchise model, meaning the vast majority of its locations are independently owned and operated. Although franchise owners must adhere to certain guidelines in their agreements with the parent company, they are free to invite political candidates to serve french fries without McDonald's endorsement.

The company said Sunday in an internal memo to employees obtained by CNN that it neither invited Trump nor the attention the election brought him — but the company moved into the spotlight to prove that McDonald's is worth millions of people continues to be an important part of everyday American life.

“As we have seen, our brand has been an integral part of the conversation this election cycle. Although we did not seek this, it is a testament to how much McDonald's resonates with so many Americans,” the company said in its memo. “McDonald's does not support candidates for elected office, including in this race for the next president. We’re not red or blue – we’re golden.”

The letter was signed by the entire US leadership team, including McDonald's President Joe Erlinger.

At the staged event, Trump donned an apron to work as a roast attendant and handed food to people at the location, which had been closed for the campaign stop.

McDonald's said it was proud that Trump had often expressed his love for McDonald's, and Harris spoke fondly of her time at the company, which she referenced frequently during her campaign, a refrain Trump used without evidence has denied. Harris said she worked briefly at the chain in the summer of 1983 while she was a student at Howard University in Washington.

Still, some McDonald's customers and employees spoke out against the company after Trump's visit, criticizing McDonald's for allowing the Republican presidential candidate to campaign at a restaurant.

The company clarified in its memo that Derek Giacomantonio, the owner and operator of the franchise, was approached by local law enforcement about Trump's request to visit and Giacomantonio agreed.

“He was proud to highlight how he and his team serve the local community and prepare delicious foods like our world-famous French fries,” the company said. “When we learned of the former president’s request, we approached it from the perspective of one of our core values: We open our doors to everyone.”

Franchises are an important part of McDonald's business, with approximately 95% of all McDonald's locations operated by franchise operators. Operators pay a license fee to use the McDonald's brand and access to its expertise. They also help finance other expenses, such as restaurant renovations.

The company has had issues with franchises in the past, particularly after a McDonald's operator in Israel offered discounts to soldiers and security forces following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. After news of the action spread on social media, many customers began boycotting McDonald's in Muslim-dominated countries – so much so that in recent quarters McDonald's cited the boycott of its revenue in the Middle East as a drag on its business.

Starbucks also ran afoul of its union last year after reports circulated online that stores were banning Pride displays. The company had no official policy on the matter – and there was no evidence that this was happening generally. But some franchises have apparently chosen not to allow their employees to decorate stores with Pride flags and other symbols, even though the company has declared its support for LGBTQ+ rights. The company later clarified its policy on Pride displays.

Similarly, McDonald's said the chain has “choice toolkits” to deal with such events.