Trump’s McDonald’s Super-Burger Sparks Fast Food Debate
Donald Trump’s latest fast food creation—a custom “super-burger” combining two McDonald’s sandwiches—has sparked renewed debate about the health impacts of ultra-processed foods. Republican National Committee chair Joe Gruters shared details of the calorie-laden meal, which he tried and later described as making him ill for 24 hours. Trump’s longstanding love for fast food, including his 2017 order of two Big Macs, two Filet-O-Fish sandwiches, and a chocolate milkshake, highlights the health risks associated with such indulgences, including obesity and heart disease. In contrast, Malta’s culinary scene emphasizes fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients, with growing interest in farm-to-table dining and wellness-focused menus. The island’s Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, seasonal vegetables, and whole grains, offers a healthier alternative to fast food-centric dining cultures. Trump’s fast food habits underscore the need for informed dietary choices, while Malta serves as a model for balancing indulgence with health-conscious eating
Donald Trump’s McDonald’s Super-Burger Sparks Debate About Fast Food and Health
Fast food has always held a unique place in global dining culture, and former U.S. President Donald Trump’s penchant for McDonald’s has been widely documented over the years. However, his latest creation—a custom-made “super-burger”—has reignited conversations about the health implications of regular fast food consumption, and it’s a topic that resonates far beyond American borders.
According to Republican National Committee chair Joe Gruters, Trump, now 79, crafted his jumbo sandwich while traveling on the campaign trail in 2024. Speaking on the “Chambers, Changes, and Conversations” podcast, Gruters recounted witnessing Trump’s unusual culinary creation during a flight. Trump reportedly combined two different McDonald’s burgers into one colossal meal, showcasing his creativity with fast food.
Gruters, who tried the meal himself, admitted that while he enjoyed the taste, he became “as sick as a dog for 24 hours.” He expressed amazement at Trump’s ability to consume such calorie-heavy meals on a regular basis, questioning, “How does a guy that is as senior as him get away with eating all this McDonald’s probably on a consistent basis?”
Trump’s longstanding love affair with fast food is hardly news. Reports from 2017 revealed his go-to McDonald’s order: two Big Macs, two Filet-O-Fish sandwiches, and a chocolate milkshake—amounting to over 2,000 calories in a single sitting. During his presidency, he famously served heaps of burgers to visiting athletes at the White House and even made headlines for promoting fast food during campaign stops.
While Trump’s fast food habits may seem entertaining, they also shed light on the broader issue of fast food’s impact on health. According to McDonald’s calorie calculator, his custom burger creation likely exceeded 2,130 calories, surpassing the daily recommended intake of saturated and trans fats by 136 percent. Such meals are emblematic of the ultra-processed foods that dominate diets worldwide, contributing to obesity, heart disease, and other chronic health issues.
For readers in Malta—where the Mediterranean diet is celebrated for its health benefits—Trump’s fast food indulgence might feel far removed from local dining culture. Malta boasts a vibrant food scene that prioritizes fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients, such as olive oil, fresh fish, seasonal vegetables, and whole grains. The island’s restaurants often offer healthier alternatives to the fast food-centric dining culture seen elsewhere, proving that indulgence doesn’t have to come at the expense of health.
Trump’s fast food habits also bring attention to the global debate surrounding ultra-processed foods, which are often laden with additives and chemicals. In the U.S., Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently proposed, then withdrew, legislation targeting ultra-processed foods. His “Make America Healthy Again” initiative aimed to address the role of such foods in rising rates of childhood obesity and chronic illness, but his revised approach no longer includes plans to regulate their sale.
Malta, on the other hand, has seen growing interest in farm-to-table dining, vegetarian and vegan options, and wellness-focused menus that align with the island’s commitment to promoting longevity and physical well-being. Local chefs and restaurateurs are increasingly embracing sustainable practices and whole-food ingredients to provide diners with meals that are both delicious and nourishing.
While Trump’s inventive burger might serve as fodder for political commentary, it also highlights the importance of making informed dietary choices. In Malta, the focus on balance and moderation—whether enjoying a traditional pastizzi or indulging in a gourmet meal—serves as a model for how food can contribute to both physical and mental health.
Ultimately, Trump’s McDonald’s creations might be entertaining anecdotes, but they also underscore the need for greater awareness of what we consume. For those living in or visiting Malta, the island’s culinary scene offers an inspiring reminder that dining can be both indulgent and health-conscious—without the need for super-sized fast food experiments.