President Donald Trump demanded that Republicans focus on rising costs as Americans increasingly feel economic pressures hit their wallets.
Speaking at the McDonald's Impact Summit on Monday, the president addressed franchise owners, suppliers and operators, touting how his administration is working to lower costs for everyday Americans.
After Republicans lost elections across the board, from the New York City mayor's race to the gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, the party has been forced to reckon with its priorities nearly a year into Trump's first year back in office.
With democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani's decisive New York City mayoral victory - race that focused heavily on affordability - the White House has swiftly adopted the liberal messaging tactic.
Trump's remarks on Monday gave a glimpse into how the administration is pivoting from celebrating its policy victories to charting a new domestic plan focused on lowering costs of living from food to oil prices.
'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,' Trump told the crowd of McDonald's operators.
'This is also the golden age of America, because we are doing better than we've ever done as a country,' he said, invoking the franchise's golden branding. 'Prices are coming down.'
At the McDonald's summit, Trump also highlighted the importance of the chain's historically cheap meals and how American consumers are counting on the fast food company to provide deals amid food prices.
Trump also joked about how he was able to convince Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. - a noted health freak - to eat a McDonald's burger.
The president also reflected on his 2024 campaign stop at a Pennsylvania McDonald's, where he worked the drive-through and handed burgers and fries to customers.
'The response was incredible, almost like I knew I was going to win,' he reflected on the visit. '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.
