WASHINGTON — In a carefully orchestrated publicity stunt on Monday, President Donald Trump received a McDonald’s order at the White House and handed the delivery driver a $100 tip to highlight his administration’s tax policy benefiting workers who earn gratuities.
The delivery driver, Sharon Simmons from Arkansas, wore a “DoorDash Grandma” shirt as she approached the Oval Office exterior door while news cameras captured the moment. Trump emerged to greet her, saying “Hello. Nice to see you,” before acknowledging the obvious staging by asking nearby reporters, “This doesn’t look staged, does it?”
The event was indeed completely planned, as accessing White House grounds requires advance security clearance and background checks — making any spontaneous delivery impossible.
The White House organized this media opportunity to draw attention to Trump’s tax legislation passed last summer, which permits Americans to temporarily deduct federal taxes from tip income. The policy allows qualifying workers to deduct as much as $25,000, though benefits decrease for higher earners.
Administration officials are ramping up promotion of this tax benefit before Wednesday’s Tax Day deadline, despite recent focus shifting to the Iran conflict that has driven up gas prices and unsettled markets, plus Trump’s ongoing dispute with Pope Leo XIV.
Trump has long favored McDonald’s and previously used the fast-food chain for political purposes. During his first presidency in 2019, he served McDonald’s and other fast food to the visiting Clemson Tigers football team during a government shutdown that reduced White House kitchen operations. He also created a memorable 2024 campaign moment by working at a Pennsylvania McDonald’s location, operating the fryer and answering reporters’ questions through the drive-thru.
During Monday’s event, Simmons explained how the tax policy helped her receive $11,000 she otherwise wouldn’t have gotten — money that proved essential while her husband fought cancer.
Trump then invited her to join an impromptu press conference, asking “Would you like to do a little news conference with me?” as she stood beside him during questions about his Strait of Hormuz threats and his refusal to apologize to the Pope.
The president eventually asked Simmons: “I think you voted for me. Do you think?” She replied uncertainly, “Um, maybe.” Trump persisted: “I heard you’re a great supporter. We appreciate it.”
When a reporter inquired whether the White House tipped well, Simmons paused and said “Um … potentially.”
“Wait,” Trump exclaimed, pulling out a $100 bill and presenting it to Simmons with a smile. She accepted the money and laughed, changing her answer to “Yes, very,” while Trump patted her back and smiled broadly.
Minutes later, Trump questioned Simmons about whether she thinks “men should play in women’s sports” — a topic he frequently raises while criticizing Democrats’ stance on transgender rights.
“I really don’t have an opinion on that,” Simmons answered, leading Trump to respond, “I’ll bet you do.”
“No, no,” she maintained. “I’m here about no tax on tips.”
The White House later reported that Trump personally distributed the delivered food — cheeseburgers and fries — to West Wing employees.
Officials didn’t mention whether he received any tips for that service.
