In a shocking turn of events, McDonald’s has announced a complete shutdown of its U.S. operations due to crippling tariffs imposed under the America First 2.0 executive order, sending shockwaves through the fast-food giant and Wall Street alike. CEO Chris Kempczinski revealed the devastating news during a live broadcast from Chicago, citing a staggering 1% drop in global sales and a catastrophic 15% plunge in share value. The fallout? A staggering 60,000 jobs at risk and $5 billion in revenue wiped out in a single quarter.

This unprecedented crisis comes as McDonald’s faces mounting pressure from rising input costs, with prices for essential ingredients like beef and packaging skyrocketing due to tariffs that have disrupted its supply chain. The once-beloved dollar menu, a staple for low-income families, is now a casualty of this economic warfare, forcing the chain to raise prices by 35%. As a result, U.S. same-store sales have plummeted by 3.6%, the worst decline since the pandemic’s peak.

The situation escalated further as a class-action lawsuit was filed by 1,700 franchise partners, accusing the White House of creating a hostile environment for business through protectionist policies. With McDonald’s iconic status now in jeopardy, the repercussions are being felt across the entire fast-food industry, as competitors like Wendy’s and Burger King seize the opportunity to undercut prices.

As McDonald’s prepares to shift production overseas to mitigate costs, experts warn of potential quality control risks that could tarnish its brand reputation. The looming question remains: can McDonald’s survive this perfect storm of tariffs, layoffs, and legal challenges? The answer could redefine the future of fast food in America.

Stay tuned as this story unfolds—Washington’s next moves could determine whether McDonald’s will rise from the ashes or become the first major casualty of an escalating trade war.