Trump Weighs In on How McDonald’s Could Improve Its Filet-O-Fish
President Donald Trump has stirred fresh conversation around one of McDonald’s longest-running menu items: the Filet-O-Fish. During the company’s 2025 Impact Summit in Washington, D.C., he praised the sandwich while offering a pointed suggestion on how it could be improved. His comments have revived debate around a menu staple that carries more than six decades of history.
A Sandwich With Deep Roots
The Filet-O-Fish debuted in 1962 as a response to declining Friday sales in a predominantly Catholic Cincinnati neighborhood. Franchisee Lou Groen introduced the breaded whitefish sandwich to satisfy customers observing Lent. The sandwich went on to beat the competing “Hula Burger,” earning a permanent place on the menu.
Trump’s Longstanding McDonald’s Affinity
Trump has openly discussed his appreciation for McDonald’s since his first presidential campaign. A 2024 viral X post with a photo of him eating McDonald’s aboard his private plane alongside political guests. At the summit, he joked about being the “first former McDonald’s fry cook” to become president, tying his comments to longstanding personal nostalgia.
The Call for More Tartar Sauce
While praising the Filet-O-Fish, Trump emphasized one specific improvement: more tartar sauce. He said he dislikes having to request extra, suggesting McDonald’s should standardize a more generous portion. Audience reactions and social media replies echoed this sentiment, revealing a shared frustration among loyal customers.
Fans Chime In With Similar Complaints
Reactions under Fox News’ coverage included a wave of comments supporting Trump’s critique. Many fans said the Filet-O-Fish can be dry when the tartar sauce comes in a too-small “squeeze,” and they routinely ask for more. The collective feedback highlighted how a small tweak can spur sizable public response.
The Half-Slice Cheese Debate
The Filet-O-Fish’s signature half-slice of American cheese remains a talking point. Some speculate it’s a cost-saving measure, but McDonald’s has clarified it’s a flavor decision dating back to Groen’s original recipe. Still, customers familiar with the sandwich often debate whether a full slice would improve it.
A History of Tweaks and Hacks
Trump’s suggestion joins a long tradition of Filet-O-Fish customization among fans. Social media posts highlight hacks such as adding extra fish patties for a better ratio or swapping tartar sauce for Big Mac sauce, a tip shared by a former McDonald’s corporate chef. These grassroots modifications reveal the sandwich’s adaptability and enduring appeal.
McDonald’s Quiet Flexibility
While the recipe has stayed remarkably consistent, McDonald’s does allow customers to request changes, including more sauce or a full cheese slice. International markets even feature region-specific spins, such as wasabi tartar sauce in Asia or Old Bay variations in select U.S. locations. McDonald’s also introduced a Double Filet-O-Fish in the UK, its most significant format change since the sandwich’s creation. This flexibility underscores the chain’s responsiveness to regional tastes.
Trump’s Comments Within a Larger Message
Beyond food talk, Trump used his remarks to highlight affordability and economic pressures. He noted ongoing challenges with high coffee prices and referenced declining prices for eggs and other staples. His endorsement of McDonald’s doubled as praise for the company’s pricing strategy during broader economic recovery efforts.
A Sandwich That Continues to Inspire Debate
From its Lent-driven creation to its current place in presidential commentary, the Filet-O-Fish remains embedded in American fast-food culture. Trump’s suggestion has renewed attention to the sandwich’s quirks, prompting fresh discussions about taste, tradition, and small improvements. Its place in the McDonald’s lineup appears as secure as its ability to spark conversation.
