President Donald Trump has urged Republicans to prioritize tackling the escalating costs affecting Americans, as financial strains become more palpable to many.

During his speech at the McDonald’s Impact Summit on Monday, Trump addressed various stakeholders, including franchise owners, suppliers, and operators. He highlighted his administration’s efforts to make everyday living more affordable for the average citizen.

Following a series of electoral defeats, such as the New York City mayoral race and gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia, Republicans are re-evaluating their focus nearly a year into Trump’s renewed term.

The recent victory of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race, which emphasized affordability, has prompted the White House to incorporate similar messaging strategies.

Trump’s comments on Monday provided insight into how the administration is transitioning from celebrating past policy achievements to developing a domestic agenda aimed at reducing living expenses, from groceries to energy costs.

‘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. 

‘This is also the golden age of America, because we are doing better than we’ve ever done as a country,’ Trump said, invoking the franchise’s golden branding to the room of McDonald’s operators 

President Donald Trump gestures at the McDonald’s Impact Summit at the Westin Hotel in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 17, 2025

President Donald Trump touted his administration’s efforts to lower costs for everyday Americans while speaking at the McDonald’s Impact Summit on Monday. Above, Trump is shown working a shift at McDonald’s during the 2024 presidential campaign 

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. 

On Halloween, Trump was visited by several McDonald’s-themed trick-or-treaters 

Trump answers questions as he works the drive-through line as he visits a McDonald’s restaurant on October 20, 2024 in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania

During the viral campaign stop, the Republican handed out burgers through the franchise’s drive-through window

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.

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.