Top Points:
Mercedes Schlapp Critiques DEI Spending: Schlapp criticized McDonald’s for prioritizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives over addressing operational issues, suggesting the company redirect DEI funds to fix its notoriously unreliable ice cream machines.
Corporations Shifting Away from DEI Practices: Schlapp highlighted a trend of corporations like McDonald’s scaling back on DEI programs in response to consumer backlash, declining profits, and a shift toward focusing on core business operations.
Public and Market Expectations: Schlapp emphasized that consumers expect companies to prioritize quality products and services over political or social agendas, framing this shift as a "market correction" driven by customer dissatisfaction.
Full Report:
On a recent episode of Newsmax, political commentator Mercedes Schlapp criticized McDonald’s for its past focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, suggesting the company redirect those funds to fixing its notoriously unreliable ice cream machines. Schlapp’s comments came during a broader discussion on corporations stepping back from DEI practices due to consumer backlash and declining profits.
“Use the DEI funds to fix the ice cream machines!” Schlapp quipped, striking a chord with viewers familiar with the company’s long-standing equipment failures. The ice cream machines at McDonald’s have become a cultural meme, as frustrated customers often encounter them “out of order” when attempting to order sundaes or McFlurries.
Schlapp pointed to the potential public relations and operational benefits of such a move, arguing that improving customer satisfaction by addressing basic service issues could resonate more with consumers than divisive DEI initiatives.
Her remarks come amid reports that several major corporations are scaling back their DEI efforts in response to declining stock performance and mounting criticism from conservative voices. Companies like Disney, Anheuser-Busch, and Target have faced boycotts and financial losses after promoting controversial policies or advertising campaigns viewed as pandering to progressive ideologies.
Schlapp praised what she sees as a return to business fundamentals, emphasizing that consumers expect companies to deliver high-quality products and services rather than serve as platforms for political or cultural movements.
“The market is correcting itself,” Schlapp said.
Schlapp’s critique quickly gained traction online, with social media users echoing her sentiments. “She’s not wrong. We just want ice cream, not corporate virtue-signaling,” one Twitter user wrote. Others shared their frustration over the all-too-familiar experience of being told the ice cream machine is down.
McDonald’s has yet to comment on Schlapp’s remarks, but the company has previously acknowledged customer dissatisfaction with its ice cream equipment. In recent years, McDonald’s has reportedly partnered with manufacturers to address the issue, though progress appears slow.
Schlapp’s commentary highlights the growing divide between corporate priorities and customer expectations. As companies like McDonald’s face increased scrutiny for their operational shortcomings, Schlapp’s call for a shift in focus underscores a broader push for businesses to return to practical, consumer-driven values.
Whether McDonald’s heeds the advice remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: The debate over corporate DEI policies and their impact on business performance is far from over.
References:
Newsmax interview with Mercedes Schlapp, January 2025.
Reports on McDonald’s DEI programs and ice cream machine issues from The Wall Street Journal.
Social media reactions on Twitter and Facebook.
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