President Trump told an audience of McDonald’s owners, operators, and suppliers on Monday that prices “are coming down,” using a keynote speech at the fast-food giant’s Impact Summit in Washington, D.C., to defend his handling of the economy amid concerns over inflation and the rising cost of living.
“We took over a mess,” Trump said, noting that inflation was at historic highs when he assumed office. “We had the highest inflation in the history of our country … and now we have normal inflation.” He added, “We have it down to a low level, but we’re going to get it a little bit lower. We want perfection.”
The remarks come as national inflation ticked up to 3% in September over the previous 12 months. Even the Economist’s “Big Mac Index,” which tracks the price of McDonald’s flagship burger around the world, showed an increase from $5.69 in July 2024 to $6.01 in July 2025. Rising food costs are being driven in part by higher beef prices, with ground beef averaging $6.32 per pound in September, up from $5.67 a year earlier.
Administration Points to New Tariff Reductions
Last week, the Trump administration eased tariffs on imports of beef, coffee, tropical fruits, and other food products in an effort to relieve pressure on grocery and restaurant prices. Trump told attendees he had heard from McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski that prices at the chain “are coming down,” though he did not offer details.
The president emphasized the stakes of his 2024 election victory, warning the economy “would’ve been a catastrophe” and the country might have gone “bankrupt” under former Vice President Kamala Harris. “You are so damn lucky that I won that election,” he told the crowd.
A President With Fast-Food Roots
Playing to a friendly audience, Trump described himself as “one of your all-time, most loyal customers.” He also referenced a campaign stop in 2024 where he served fries at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, joking that he is “the very first former McDonald’s frycook to ever become president of the United States.”
“It was not that easy!” he said of working the drive-thru.
Trump praised McDonald’s employees as the backbone of the country. “Before the sun rises, you’re serving hot coffee to construction workers, nurses and police officers … In the evening, you stand ready with the fast dinner and the smile for busy moms … And late at night your lights are on for the long haul trucker,” he said.
The president also revealed his preferred menu choice: the Filet-O-Fish, with one suggestion for improvement. “I like the fish,” he said. “You could do a little bit more tartar sauce.”
