On a Sunday that took many by surprise, former U.S. President Donald Trump made an unexpected appearance at a McDonald’s restaurant in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania, serving fries and interacting with customers. This visit, which could have been seen as a lighthearted moment in his ongoing public appearances, led to a spike in online attention, particularly on the Yelp page of the restaurant in question.
As public discourse and political divisions in the United States continue to intensify, the simplest actions can generate large-scale reactions, and this was no exception. The Yelp page for the Feasterville-Trevose McDonald’s was bombarded with reviews, comments, and ratings that seemed to stem more from Trump’s visit than actual dining experiences. In response, Yelp swiftly took action, temporarily shutting down the review section of the McDonald’s location, citing an influx of “unusual activity” and a flood of politically motivated commentary.
This move by Yelp has prompted both curiosity and conversation about how public figures like Trump influence businesses, particularly in politically charged climates. Let’s explore the circumstances around the incident, the role Yelp plays in moderating reviews, and the broader implications of such events.