President Donald Trump is once again at the center of viral attention after details of his famously large McDonald’s order resurfaced online, reigniting debate over his health just days after he insisted he is in “perfect” condition.
The fast-food feast, which includes multiple burgers, fries, and often a milkshake, began trending anew following a recent interview in which Trump pushed back against speculation about his physical well-being and denied claims that he has been showing signs of age-related decline.
At 79, Trump is the oldest person to assume the presidency, and projecting strength and stamina has long been a central part of his public image. But his first year back in office has been marked by persistent health rumors, fueled by visible bruising, reports that he appeared to doze off during meetings, and renewed scrutiny of his diet.
Donald Trump works behind the counter during a visit to a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania in October 2024
A Fast-Food Order That Won’t Go Away
The details of Trump’s McDonald’s routine were highlighted again in recent reporting by The Wall Street Journal, which noted his long-standing preference for the fast-food chain.
The order, first publicly described by former Republican National Committee chairman Joe Gruters, includes French fries, a Quarter Pounder, a Big Mac, and a Filet-O-Fish — all in a single sitting.
Nutritional estimates place the meal at roughly 1,960 calories, close to a full day’s recommended intake for an average adult, along with approximately 225 milligrams of cholesterol, or about three-quarters of the suggested daily limit.
Trump often adds a chocolate milkshake, pushing the calorie count beyond 2,700 — well above what most health guidelines recommend for an entire day.
As the details circulated again on social media, reactions ranged from disbelief to outright mockery.
Viral Reactions and Online Mockery
The resurfaced McDonald’s order quickly went viral on X, where critics seized on it as evidence that Trump’s diet contradicts his claims of robust health.
One widely shared post read: “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 Diet Coke and zero exercise… how is this possible?”
Another user joked, “I’ve never been so disappointed in cholesterol.”
Supporters countered that Trump has long been open about his eating habits and pointed out that he remains highly active, traveling frequently and maintaining a packed public schedule.
The president’s fondness for McDonald’s has been well documented for years. During the 2024 campaign, he even staged a stop behind the fry station at a McDonald’s restaurant, turning the visit into a campaign moment.
Trump, Elon Musk, Donald Trump Jr., and RFK Jr. share a McDonald’s meal aboard Trump’s private plane in November 2024
A Diet Detailed in Past Accounts
Trump’s eating habits were also described in Let Trump Be Trump, a 2017 book written by former aides David Bossie and Corey Lewandowski.
The authors recalled Trump ordering “two Big Macs, two Filet-O-Fish and a chocolate malted,” adding that aboard Trump Force One there were “four major food groups: McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, pizza, and Diet Coke.”
Those anecdotes, once treated as colorful footnotes, have taken on new relevance amid heightened focus on the president’s health.
Health Questions Intensify
Trump’s diet is only one element of a broader conversation about his physical condition. In recent months, observers have noted persistent bruising on his right hand, sometimes covered with heavy makeup or bandages, as well as occasional swelling around his ankles.
The White House has previously disclosed that Trump has chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition in older adults that affects blood flow in the legs. The president has said the condition does not interfere with his ability to carry out his duties.
Trump has also acknowledged taking aspirin daily to thin his blood, explaining that he uses a higher dose than doctors typically recommend.
“I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” Trump told the Journal. “I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart.”
Medical professionals generally caution against high-dose aspirin without close supervision, but Trump has said he is comfortable with his regimen.
Falling Asleep — or Just Blinking?
Another recurring flashpoint has been footage suggesting Trump may have fallen asleep during meetings. Critics have circulated clips showing the president with his eyes closed for extended periods, including during a televised Oval Office meeting with health officials in November.
Trump has firmly rejected that characterization.
“I’ll just close [my eyes]. It’s very relaxing to me,” he said in the Journal interview. “Sometimes they’ll take a picture of me blinking, blinking, and they’ll catch me with the blink.”
He has insisted that he does not doze off in meetings and that such moments are being exaggerated or misrepresented.
The issue carries political weight, as Trump has frequently labeled his predecessor Joe Biden as “sleepy,” a nickname that became central to his attacks during the 2024 race.
Medical Scans and Mixed Messaging
Trump has also faced questions about medical imaging he underwent in October. Initially, he told reporters he had received an MRI but said he was unsure what doctors were examining.
Later, in the Journal interview, Trump clarified that the test was actually a CT scan, which takes less time than an MRI.
His physician, Navy Captain Sean Barbabella, confirmed that the CT scan was conducted to rule out cardiovascular issues and did not reveal any major problems.
Critics have pointed to the shifting explanations as evidence of inconsistent messaging, while the White House maintains that the scan was routine and precautionary.
High-Fives, Bruises, and Explanations
Trump has attributed some of the bruising on his hands to everyday interactions, including frequent handshakes and minor accidents.
He recalled one incident at the 2024 Republican National Convention in which Attorney General Pam Bondi accidentally struck his hand with her ring during a high-five, breaking the skin.
As he ages, Trump said, his skin has become thinner and more prone to marks, which he sometimes covers with makeup or bandages when “whacked.”
Cholesterol Control and Medications
Despite his fast-food-heavy diet, Trump’s medical team says his cholesterol is being managed with medication. According to his doctor, the president takes rosuvastatin, a statin drug, along with ezetimibe to help control cholesterol levels.
Those medications are commonly prescribed to reduce cardiovascular risk, particularly in patients with elevated cholesterol.
Trump has cited the use of these drugs as further evidence that his health is under control, even as critics question the long-term sustainability of his eating habits.
Image, Age, and the Presidency
Health and age have become defining themes of Trump’s second term. While his predecessor left office at 82 — making him the oldest president in U.S. history — Trump is on track to surpass that record if he completes his term.
Supporters argue that Trump’s energy, schedule, and willingness to address health questions head-on demonstrate resilience. Critics counter that repeated defenses, combined with visible signs of aging, raise legitimate concerns.
The viral revival of Trump’s McDonald’s order has only added fuel to that debate, blending pop culture, politics, and health into a familiar but potent mix.
A Debate That Isn’t Going Away
For Trump, the renewed attention appears unlikely to change his habits or messaging. He continues to insist that his health is excellent and that media scrutiny is overblown.
“My health is perfect,” he told the Journal.
Whether voters see the viral fast-food revelations as harmless quirks or warning signs remains to be seen. What is clear is that as Trump approaches 80, every detail — from medical scans to McDonald’s meals — is likely to remain under intense public scrutiny.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
