Amy Brown, a former Wendy's social media manager who helped turn the fast food chain's Twitter profile into a comedic masterpiece, had a few things to get off her chest after the company claimed neutrality in presidential donations. The company made the statement following a CNN report of a franchisee CEO making a sizeable donation to the Trump reelection campaign.
"We never have and never will contribute to a presidential campaign," the company tweeted. "For the record our CEO has always kept that same energy too. Facts."
While acknowledging the Wendy's claim is technically true, Brown tweeted the company does have a PAC that donates "almost exclusively" to Republican candidates for the House and Senate, and that employees are "heavily encouraged to donate to it."
Wendy's was responding to earlier reports that James Bodenstedt, CEO of Muy Companies, has donated nearly $500,000 to the campaign to reelect President Trump. Muy Companies owns and operates a total of 800 Wendy's, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut locations nationwide.
\u201c@Orealgala We never have and will never contribute to a presidential campaign. For the record our CEO has always kept that same energy too. Facts.\u201d— Wendy\u2019s (@Wendy\u2019s) 1591227431
Brown, who left Wendy's on good terms in 2017, noted that while the company itself does not directly donate to presidential campaigns, corporate leadership is under no such restriction. She noted Wendy's Chairman of the Board Nelson Peltz held a fundraiser at his oceanfront Palm Beach estate that was expected to raise $10 million for the president's reelection efforts.
Wendy's is known for its raucous and engaging social media presence, and the company can thank Brown, at least in part, for its new image. She was unafraid to mix it up with surly customers and trolls looking for laughs, and was especially adept when taking swipes at their competitors.
\u201c@bguerns13 edible food\u201d— Wendy\u2019s (@Wendy\u2019s) 1453478021
But after Brown took the company to task, they had a little explaining to do. In response to the situation, Wendy's announced plans to donate $500,000 to as yet unspecified social justice causes, and promised to use its Twitter account to "amplify Black voices."
\u201cIn the coming days, we\u2019ll be using our Twitter account to amplify Black voices. Because what\u2019s the point of this big platform if we don\u2019t use it for what matters during times like these?\u201d— Wendy\u2019s (@Wendy\u2019s) 1591227431
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