With the political scene heating up as the 2024 elections approach, reactions to Donald Trump’s actions and statements continue to serve as fodder for both supporters and detractors. The recent Thanksgiving holiday provided unique opportunities for some political figures to showcase their allegiance or disdain for Trump, sparking conversations across social media.
One notable stark moment was exemplified by far-right Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who took to social media to present her Thanksgiving message. Greene coined the term “Trumpsgiving,” defining it as "the expression of gratitude for the fact Kamala is NOT the President." This definition, though playful, was met with significant backlash from critics who were less than impressed with the rebranding of the holiday. Greene's followers were quick to praise her effort, dubbing the alternative holiday as suitable for Trump fans, but the critiques rolled in hard from others. Many commenters took to X (formerly Twitter) to deride her stance, with one user remarking, "Imagine your whole personality is Trump."
Further complicity was added when Trump himself shared his own Thanksgiving message, which leaned heavily on divisive rhetoric. Instead of focusing on gratitude, Trump used the occasion to attack “Radical Left Lunatics,” showcasing how his messaging continues to resonate with portions of the GOP. This strategic use of conventional holidays to drive political narratives isn’t new, but the blatant culinary twist from Greene raised eyebrows and highlighted the polarized nature of contemporary GOP culture.
The social media backlash against Greene's Thanksgiving message set the tone for how both critics and supporters sometimes band together on holiday themes. Although her attempt at cleverness received some warm reception among Trump's base, it largely spurred mockery about the overutilization of Trump as the GOP's touchstone, likening it to membership of a cultish phase by some commentators. Users remarked about Greene's approach, calling it cringe-worthy and questioning whether she could “try being normal for just one day.”
Meanwhile, JD Vance, the Vice President-elect, made headlines for his own unusual Thanksgiving post. He adapted the famous Norman Rockwell painting "Freedom From Want," redesigning it to feature himself at the head of the table alongside Trump, with the Thanksgiving turkey morphing to represent all Republican victories across the map. While he made the alteration public under the guise of holiday spirit, many were left scratching their heads and calling it bizarre. Discontented social media users did not hesitate to voice their confusion, with one noting, "I’ve seen a lot of embarrassing behavior on this app, but I have never seen anything quite like this."
Adding to the conversation, Fox News anchor Julie Banderas weighed on economic issues tied to Trump’s pledge of raising tariffs should he return to the presidency. Trump has proposed substantial tariffs, including 25% on goods sourced from Canada and Mexico and another 10% on imports from China. Banderas pointed out the realistic ramifications of such moves, stating, "We are going to be buying the merchandise... it is going to cost more, and it does come down to the taxpayer dollar." Her remarks highlighted the material consequences awaiting American consumers if these policies come to fruition, reflecting how Trump's economic plans continue to spark debate even during festive seasons.
Critics within the political sphere have left no stone unturned to pledge their disagreements over the forecast of Trump's potential policies, particularly where they intersect with inflation. Commentators and small business experts argue how relying on goods produced overseas may make everyday items increasingly expensive, leaving the general public grappling with these changes. Gene Marks, a small business expert, encouraged American companies to prepare themselves for these tariffs, though the future seems fraught with uncertainty.
Social media responses oftentimes highlight how peculiar these posts are, creating hybrid social commentary amid GOP officials trying to maintain their public personas. The recent uproar surrounding Vance’s Thanksgiving riff and Greene’s cringeworthy renaming has caused many to wonder if, instead of uniting fans, these figures are merely alienated their constituents by leaning too far toward the extreme
Even Trump's own holiday messaging saw heightened scrutiny this year as many compared his posts to those of his political rivals. For example, former Vice President Kamala Harris focused her Thanksgiving wishes on unity, which starkly contrasts with Trump’s tone. The backlash on social media was swift and cutting, with many saying the former president's rhetoric missed the essence of the holiday entirely.
Nonetheless, this blend of political commentary and holiday spirit showcases just how interconnected these discussions are within U.S. politics. While some might revel in the absurd, others are left grappling with whether their representatives should be using national holidays as platforms for political gamesmanship. Both Greene and Vance seem stuck between wanting to connect with Trump’s base and crafting messages capable of appealing broadly to the electorate.
Clearly, as the 2024 elections loom, moments like Thanksgiving will continue to stir up emotions and reactions revolving around Trump and his allies. They serve as reminders of the highly charged political climate and prompt questions of whether political representatives should approach these occasions with decorum or whether they continue to embrace the trickery and tactics they've wielded leading up to this election season.
