McDonald’s unveiled its plan to hire as many as 375,000 employees this summer during a news conference held on Monday, featuring U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
Historically a staple in President Donald Trump’s dining choices, McDonald’s has strengthened its ties with his administration throughout its second term. The fast-food giant appears eager to maintain favorable relations to sidestep potential challenges, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign or stringent regulations from the Department of Labor.
As part of its commitment, McDonald’s made headlines by donating $1 million to Trump’s second inauguration, marking the company’s first contribution to an inaugural fund in over a decade.
In addition to McDonald’s, representatives from Wendy’s, Yum Brands, and other fast-food franchises reportedly had discussions with Chavez-DeRemer prior to the inauguration, addressing industry-related issues such as the pro-union legislation she introduced and the joint employer rule that affects the relationship between franchisors and franchisees.
On Monday, McDonald’s and Chavez-DeRemer celebrated a decade of the “Archways to Opportunity” program, which aids employees through tuition assistance and supports educational achievements, including obtaining high school diplomas.
This hiring initiative aligns with a typical summer trend for McDonald’s and the wider restaurant sector, which often ramp up recruitment to meet increased demand. The recent announcement marks one of McDonald’s most ambitious hiring targets in years; in 2020, during the reopening of dining facilities, the company aimed to recruit 260,000 restaurant workers.
With its vast network of company-owned and franchised locations, McDonald’s ranks among the largest private employers in the United States, claiming that one in eight Americans has held a position at one of its restaurants.
As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Trump has ridiculed Vice President Kamala Harris over her connection to the fast-food chain. McDonald’s has sought to remain neutral, asserting in a statement that it does not align itself politically and cannot access all employment records dating back to the 1980s.
This latest hiring drive coincides with McDonald’s expansion plans, as the company strives to open an additional 900 restaurants in the U.S. by the year 2027.
