In a move that left many social media users in awe, Saudi Arabia introduced a mobile McDonald’s food truck during President Donald Trump’s visit to Riyadh on May 13, 2025. Known for his fondness for fast food, Trump was greeted with a unique hospitality gesture that quickly captured the public’s attention.
The truck was set up in Riyadh on the first day of Trump’s Middle East visit, where he has met with officials to discuss various regional issues. White House sources confirmed that the mobile McDonald’s truck was brought in specifically for the President, and it didn’t take long before social media platforms were flooded with images and videos of the truck, sparking a wave of reactions.
A Symbolic Gesture of Hospitality
When Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia, the stage was set for an unforgettable moment. Known for his preference for McDonald’s, the fast-food chain became a key feature of his visit. The mobile McDonald’s wasn’t just a regular food truck—it symbolized a personal touch and a memorable gesture by the Saudi hosts, tailored to Trump’s widely known love for the fast-food giant.
“Saudi Arabia brought in a mobile McDonald’s for President Trump on his visit,” Benny Johnson, a conservative social media commentator, tweeted. The tweet, accompanied by video footage of the operation, quickly went viral. “How’s this real life?” remarked another user, marveling at the sight of the food truck parked in front of the official events.
This wasn’t the first time that Trump’s fondness for McDonald’s has made headlines. Throughout his public life, the former president has been candid about his love for the golden arches. From his infamous White House fast-food buffet in 2019 to his late-night McDonald’s cravings after his COVID-19 recovery, Trump’s fast-food indulgence has become a well-documented part of his persona.
The President’s Love for McDonald’s: A Familiar Theme
It’s no secret that Donald Trump enjoys McDonald’s. His love for the fast-food chain has been widely covered throughout his presidency and even before. One of the most publicized incidents occurred when the Clemson Tigers, national college football champions, visited the White House in 2019. Trump famously served them a buffet of fast-food options from McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King.
The McDonald’s truck in Riyadh was more than just a coincidence; it was a reflection of Trump’s well-known preferences. The truck offered a range of McDonald’s menu items, ensuring that the president felt at home during his diplomatic trip. And this wasn’t the only instance of Trump seeking out McDonald’s during his time in office.
During his 2020 COVID-19 diagnosis and recovery, Trump reportedly requested McDonald’s, according to his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. These personal details give us insight into how Trump’s affection for the fast food chain has influenced his lifestyle, even in the midst of a global health crisis.
A Cultural Intersection: The Global Appeal of Fast Food
The decision to bring in a McDonald’s truck for a U.S. president reflects the broader intersection of culture, diplomacy, and the fast-food industry. On one hand, it underscores the deeply ingrained connection that McDonald’s has with American culture. The chain’s presence is a symbol of American values—convenience, efficiency, and familiarity. For Trump, McDonald’s represents comfort and normalcy, even in the high-stakes environment of international diplomacy.
But on the other hand, it’s also a sign of how countries, especially those with close ties to the U.S., are adapting to the personal tastes of high-profile guests. Saudi Arabia’s decision to roll out the red carpet for Trump, in part, by serving him his favorite food was a deliberate attempt to ensure his comfort while navigating important political discussions.
Even beyond the Trump administration, McDonald’s has often been used as a diplomatic tool. The fast-food chain has served as a backdrop for meetings between world leaders, further cementing its place as a cultural and diplomatic bridge. The mere presence of the food truck in Riyadh speaks volumes about the relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, one that mixes personal preferences with international politics.
Social Media Buzz and Public Reactions
As expected, the mobile McDonald’s in Saudi Arabia didn’t go unnoticed by social media users. Reactions poured in from across the globe, with many commenting on the surreal nature of the situation. “It’s incredible,” one user tweeted, noting how the event felt almost like a spectacle. The images of a mobile McDonald’s truck serving the U.S. president in the heart of Riyadh raised eyebrows and sparked conversations, reinforcing the cultural importance of McDonald’s on the global stage.
Though some found humor in the situation, others saw it as a thoughtful, if unconventional, gesture by Saudi Arabia. The country, seeking to strengthen its relationship with the U.S. under the leadership of Trump, knew that small personal touches could go a long way in solidifying diplomatic ties.
While Trump’s penchant for McDonald’s may seem trivial in the grand scheme of geopolitics, moments like these play a crucial role in building rapport between leaders. For all the formality and complexity of high-level diplomacy, it’s these human moments—like offering a beloved food—that can make a big difference.
