Former US President Donald Trump recently compared his ageing process to a "fine steak," but the internet had a different comparison in mind: a fast-food feast. This came after Trump doubled down on his claims of "robust health" in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. In response, social media users unearthed and widely circulated the details of his famously large and cholesterol-heavy McDonald's order, reigniting a debate about his lifestyle and fitness.
The Presidential Fast-Food Marathon
The specifics of the order, first revealed by then-Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters, are staggering. Trump's meal reportedly included a full spread: French fries, a Quarter Pounder hamburger, a Big Mac, and a Filet-O-Fish sandwich. When combined, this fast-food marathon totals approximately 1,800 calories. This figure represents roughly 90 percent of the average recommended daily calorie intake for an adult.
More concerning to health experts is the cholesterol content. The meal packs about 225 mg of cholesterol, which is around three-quarters of the daily guideline. To manage his cholesterol levels, Trump's physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, confirmed the former president takes medications, including rosuvastatin and ezetimibe.
Physical Signs and Political Jabs
Trump's fondness for McDonald's is no secret. The Daily Mail even reported that he staged a campaign stop behind a fry station during the 2024 race. However, this dietary preference exists alongside visible physical signs that have sparked discussion. Observers have noted persistent bruising on his right hand, often concealed with makeup or a bandage, and what appeared to be swollen ankles.
Furthermore, there have been instances, including a televised Oval Office meeting with health representatives in November, where Trump seemed to struggle to keep his eyes open. This is a politically sensitive point, as Trump has frequently labelled his predecessor and current rival, Joe Biden, as "sleepy."
The Internet Reacts: From Horror to Admiration
The viral resurrection of Trump's McDonald's order led to sharply divided reactions online. Critics were quick to highlight the health risks associated with such a diet.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, "The fries, Big Mac and QPounder would just be an ordinary fat guy meal, but adding the filet-o-fish is what makes this truly heinous." Another expressed shock, writing, "Holy f**k! New reporting suggests Trump can demolish McDonald’s fries, a Quarter Pounder, a Big Mac, and a Filet-O-Fish in one sitting. Combine that with 12 Diet Cokes a day and zero exercise… someone please explain how this cholesterol-soaked fleshsack is still alive."
On the other side, Trump's supporters framed his ability to consume such a meal and maintain a rigorous campaign schedule as a sign of unusual endurance. One supporter even offered a humorous pledge, stating, "A President needs to be well fed. He's a billionaire, and I'm, um, not, but I will personally contribute to a fund to guarantee he's served this exact menu--and more of it--at least three times a day."
The episode underscores how a candidate's personal habits, especially concerning health and diet, can become a focal point in the high-stakes arena of a presidential election, fueling both criticism and fervent support.
