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McDonald's Memo, Liam Payne and 1700s 'Ghost Ship'

Plus: 'Jersey Shore' Airs as 'Macaroni Rascals' in Japan?

Author

Izz LaMagdeleine
October 23, 2024

In partnership with

SATURDAY EDITION

Snopes Debunker

An alleged McDonald's memo dated October 20, 2024, says, "McDonald's USA: Earlier today, former President Trump visited a McDonald's restaurant in Pennsylvania following a request made to our local franchisee. As we've seen, our brand has been a fixture of conversation this election cycle. While we've not sought this, it's a testament to how much McDonald's resonates with so many Americans. McDonald's does not endorse candidates for elected office and that remains true in this race for the next President. We are not red or blue — we are golden. Though we are not a poliical brand, we've been proud to hear former President Trump's love for McDonald's and Vice President Harris's fond memories working under the Arches. While we and our franchisees don't have records for all positionsdating back to the early '80s, what makes "1 in 8" so powerful is the shared experience so many Americans have had. When Owner/Operator Derek Giacomantonio was approached by local law enforcement regarding former President's Trump desire to visit a Pennsylvania restauraunt, he was proud to highlight how he and his team serve their local communities and make delicious food, like our World Famous French Fries." The memo is next to a white man holding a bag out a fast-food window.

McDonald's Sent Memo on Political Involvement After Trump Worked at Pennsylvania Store?

McDonald's has played a notable role in both 2024 U.S. presidential candidates' campaigns. On Oct. 20, former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines when he donned an apron and took over the French fry station of a Pennsylvania McDonald's, writing on Truth Social beforehand: "Heading to McDonalds now. If I stay for 20 minutes, it will be 20 minutes longer than Lyin' Kamala Harris has worked there."

Later that day, what appeared to be an internal memo sent out by McDonald's USA went viral on multiple social media platforms in which the company clarified that it doesn't "endorse candidates for elected office. … We are not red or blue — we are golden." Snopes reporter Taija PerryCook has the details.

A white man wearing a black suit is pictured next to an image that says "THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICE." The cutout of a white man is pictured in the lefthand corner.

Former 'Apprentice' Exec Apologized for 'Creating Monster' in Trump, Endorsed Harris?

"At 'The Apprentice,' we created the false narrative that Trump was a super-successful businessman," read a quote attributed to the former NBC chief.

A white man wearing a white shirt and jacket is pictured.

Video Shows Liam Payne Saying He Once Had 'Very Awkward Moment' With Diddy and Jay-Z?

While appearing as a guest on "The Graham Norton Show" in 2017, the former One Direction singer spoke of his first encounter with the hip-hop mogul.

A Black woman runs giving several people with outstretched hands high-fives.

Angel Reese Fired by Chicago Sky for Steroid Use?

Several videos made their way around social media sharing the claim.

A large ship is parked on a beach.

1700s 'Ghost Ship' Washed Ashore in Florida After Hurricane Milton?

One commenter wrote: "Is this really real or an AI generated post?"

Staff Pick

A group of people lined up to take a photo.

'Jersey Shore' Airs as 'Macaroni Rascals' in Japan?

The alleged translation has circulated online since at least 2010, when it was mentioned on X by singer and musician Moby.

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