McDonald's US President defends company against exaggerated price increase claims, citing average Big Mac price increased from $4.39 in 2019 to $5.29, a 20.5% rise.

McDonald's U.S. President Joe Erlinger defended the company against viral tweets and media reports that exaggerated its price increases, stating the average U.S. Big Mac cost $4.39 in 2019 and now costs $5.29, a 20.5% increase. Erlinger acknowledged a post about a $18 Big Mac meal in Connecticut, calling it an exception. McDonald's franchisees, who own and operate 95% of U.S. locations, set their own pricing but work to minimize the impact of price increases.