McDonald’s announces it is suspending political donations

McDonald’s has suspended all political donations and is revising its donation policies following an attack on the United States Capitol last week by supporters of incumbent President Donald Trump.

“We have already suspended all of our political donations while we review our policies and procedures,” the company said in an emailed statement to Catering company. “Going forward, we will ensure that all contributions continue to be in line with our values ​​and our business purpose. “

McDonald’s itself gives little to political candidates. But it has a Political Action Committee (PAC) that collects donations from employees and franchisees and makes donations. This committee is active, having donated more than $ 500,000 to candidates for federal political office in the last election cycle, according to data from Open Secrets.

Almost two-thirds of those funds went to Republican candidates. And more than $ 100,000 went to Republicans who voted against certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s November election.

A McDonald’s spokesperson said the company’s hiatus on political donations included the PAC.

A growing number of companies have sworn in recent days to stop donating to Republicans who voted against certification or to halt donating to political candidates altogether. Among those who have said they will not donate to Republicans against certification include giant retailer Walmart as well as Marriott and The Walt Disney Co.

The measures came days after a crowd of supporters of President Donald Trump attacked the United States Capitol, killing five, injuring many and causing extensive damage. The attack, which came after Trump urged his supporters to march to Capitol Hill, led the U.S. House of Representatives to impeach the president for the second time on Wednesday.

McDonald’s quickly took a stand on the attack last week. CEO Chris Kempczinski sent a letter to the system on Friday condemning the attacks and endorsing a statement by a group of U.S. business leaders accusing Trump and other politicians of inciting violence.

According to watchdog group Public Citizen, corporate PACs contributed $ 170 million to the campaigns of 147 members of Congress who voted against certification.

McDonald’s Political Action Committee donated $ 504,000 to federal candidates during the 2020 election cycle, of which 63% went to Republicans, according to Open Secrets.

The committee did not donate to any of the six senators who voted against accreditation. But he made big donations to representatives who voted against certification. His donations include $ 7,500 to Republican minority leader Kevin McCarthy of California and $ 10,000 to Virginia Foxx of North Carolina.

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