Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, has found herself embroiled in a scandal over claims about her past employment at McDonald’s.
What began as a seemingly small detail in her campaign narrative has evolved into a significant credibility issue as evidence emerges that Harris lied about her “working-class” background — the latest Super Sized controversy to erupt from her young campaign.
Harris first mentioned working at McDonald’s during her 2019 presidential campaign, claiming she “did fries” and worked as a cashier to help put herself through college.
The story quickly became a cornerstone of her campaign’s efforts to portray her as understanding the struggles of working-class Americans.
However, investigative reporting has raised serious questions about these claims. Notably, Harris did not mention this job in her two memoirs, nor did it appear in a 1987 job application or resume where she listed other, seemingly less significant experiences.
Biographies written about Harris also fail to mention any McDonald’s employment.
The controversy deepened when photographic evidence emerged that seems to contradics Harris’s account of working at the fast-food chain.
The Washington Free Beacon shared the following images of Harris’ previous resume that makes no mention of McDonald’s work, gained through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request —
Adding to the skepticism, McDonald’s Corporation, which typically proudly acknowledges former employees who achieve prominence, has remained silent on Harris’s alleged employment.
This silence is particularly striking given the company’s history of celebrating such claims from other public figures.
The Harris campaign initially presented the job as a means to “put herself through college,” but the campaign has since adjusted their narrative, suggesting the job was merely for “spending money.”
Critics point to the controversy as an example of Harris lying — specifically about fabricating a working-class background for political gain.
Supporters of Harris, however, say the issue detracts from more important policy discussions.
Harris’ campaign has yet to release her concrete policy positions.
As the presidential campaign intensifies, this scandal presents a significant challenge for Harris. It raises questions further questions about her overall credibility and the vetting process within her campaign.
The election is just 67 days away.