Full Breakdown
Vice President JD Vance's Thanksgiving Address at Fort Campbell
11/28/2025, 2:04:04 AM
Thanksgiving Celebration with Troops
On November 26, 2025, Vice President JD Vance and his family visited Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to serve an early Thanksgiving meal to U.S. Army soldiers. Accompanied by his wife, Usha, and their children, Vance participated in the festive gathering, which included a decorated dining facility and a turkey-shaped cake. The event aimed to express gratitude for the service members' dedication and foster community ties.
Controversial Remarks on Turkey
During his address to the troops, Vance made headlines with his unconventional remarks about Thanksgiving turkey. He questioned the soldiers about their enjoyment of turkey, stating, “Who really likes turkey? You’re all full of s***,” and suggested that the bird is not genuinely appreciated. He further elaborated, “How many times do you roast an 18-pound turkey just randomly? Nobody does it because turkey doesn’t actually taste that good.” Vance humorously noted that he plans to deep-fry his turkey, adding, “If you’ve got to deep-fry something to make it taste good, it probably isn’t that good.”
Context of the Speech
Vance's comments came in the wake of a tragic shooting incident in Washington, D.C., which claimed the lives of two National Guardsmen. While he acknowledged the seriousness of the situation by urging prayers for the victims, his subsequent remarks about turkey drew mixed reactions from the audience and on social media. Critics described his delivery as awkward and condescending, with some questioning the appropriateness of his humor given the recent tragedy.
Official Statements & Responses
In his speech, Vance emphasized the spirit of gratitude inherent in Thanksgiving, stating, “Thanksgiving is so American because the heart of it is the spirit of gratitude.” He also conveyed a message from President Donald Trump, who expressed pride in the soldiers' service. Following the meal, Vance wished the troops a happy Thanksgiving and thanked them for their commitment.
Public Reaction and Criticism
Vance's turkey comments sparked significant backlash online, with many users mocking his delivery and questioning his culinary opinions. Some social media users expressed their discontent, stating that his remarks were out of touch with the holiday's significance. Critics highlighted the disconnect between his lighthearted approach and the somber context of the recent shooting.
What's Next
As the holiday season progresses, Vance's remarks may continue to resonate in public discourse, particularly as discussions around military support and community engagement evolve. The administration's efforts to connect with service members will likely remain a focal point in upcoming events.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You are all full of s*** … turkey doesn’t actually taste that good.” — Vice President JD Vance
- “if you've got to deep-fry something to make it taste good, it probably isn't that good. That's a pretty good rule of thumb when it comes to food.” — Vice President JD Vance
- “Here’s the thing aboutThanksgiving: It is so American because the heart of it is the spirit of gratitude,” — Vice President JD Vance
In summary, Vice President JD Vance's Thanksgiving address at Fort Campbell highlighted both the celebration of American traditions and the complexities of public discourse surrounding military engagement and national tragedies.
