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U.S. Political Figures Mark Thanksgiving with Varied Messages

2025-11-29

The BareStory

On Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2025, U.S. political figures including President Donald Trump and members of Congress issued public statements reflecting a range of sentiments, from personal gratitude to political critiques.

Several members of the House of Representatives from both parties shared what they were grateful for. Common themes included family and the opportunity for public service. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and Rep. Erin Houchin both stated they were thankful for their families, with Houchin also calling her service a "real blessing." Former House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said he was thankful for his wife and grandchildren, while Rep. Jodey Arrington expressed gratitude for his decade of service. In contrast, Rep. Jim McGovern said he was happy to be away from what he described as a "s--- show" in Washington.

Other lawmakers offered more critical reflections on the holiday. In a statement, Rep. Ayanna Pressley wrote about "empty seats" at Thanksgiving tables, which she attributed to "loved ones being abducted and deported," gun violence, and mass incarceration. Separately, Rep. Summer Lee stated that for some, the holiday serves as a reminder of "stolen land and broken treaties." Lee urged people to honor Indigenous communities by fighting for their sovereignty.

From the White House, President Donald Trump spoke with military service members during a Thanksgiving call. When a petty officer asked about a potential golf match with former President Joe Biden, Trump claimed he would play but that Biden "doesn’t want to show up." Trump called himself a "very low handicap" golfer and asserted that Biden "can't hit a ball 30 yards."

Left Perspective

  • Politicians expressed thanks for family and service opportunities.
  • One representative was grateful for a break from Washington politics.
  • The President connected with military members and discussed personal skills.

Right Perspective

  • Lawmakers highlighted absences at holiday tables due to systemic issues.
  • The holiday was framed as a reminder of historical injustice.
  • A call was made to honor Indigenous communities through action.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• The holiday statements from political figures do not indicate any direct changes to policy, services, or daily life for the general public.

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