Photo: AFP
CHICAGO: US President Donald Trump argued his administration was making process on lowering prices as he faces new political headwinds, pushing back on criticism from Democrats who blame his tariffs for high costs.
Trump touted economic policies he said have drawn trillions in new investments to fuel private-sector job growth and eased the raging inflation that was a political liability for his predecessor, during an address Monday to franchise owners from McDonald’s Corp.
“I want to give a very special thanks to McDonald’s for slashing prices for your most popular items, bringing back Extra Value Meals,” Trump said at the event.
“I hear you’re recommitting to the affordable options of Americans that we really know and love, all of the items that we love. And I hear that McDonald’s is playing a very big role in getting prices down for this country.”
The president, whose affinity for McDonald’s is well-known, spoke of his own affection for the company, telling franchise owners he was “one of your all-time most loyal customers” and thanking them for lowering prices on some goods.
The company and its franchisees brought back Extra Value Meals at US$5 and US$8 price points.
McDonald’s thanks to its presence across the country offers an important barometer for consumer spending, in particular with budget-sensitive consumers. — Bloomberg
