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Navigating Thanksgiving in the Trump Era: A Family Guide

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, November 23rd 2025 at 9:17 GMT by Hartford Courant

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A Guide to a Peaceful Thanksgiving in the Trump Era – What Politicians and Experts Say

The holiday of Thanksgiving, a time traditionally set aside for family, gratitude, and communal feasting, has never been more politically charged than it is today. With the United States still navigating the after‑effects of the 2016 election, the Trump presidency, and the pandemic‑era elections that followed, the simple act of gathering around a table can become a battleground for ideology. A recent article on MSN, titled “Political experts, politicians share advice for peaceful Thanksgiving in Trump era—It won’t be easy” (link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/political-experts-politicians-share-advice-for-peaceful-thanksgiving-in-trump-era-it-won-t-be-easy/ar-AA1QZaxx), offers a roadmap for families hoping to keep the holiday calm, drawing on the wisdom of seasoned political strategists, former White House staffers, and elected officials.

1. The Challenge: Politics Meets the Table

The article opens by acknowledging that this Thanksgiving will feel “different” for many Americans. The author notes that in the last few years, Thanksgiving has become a mirror of the nation’s political split. A quick scan of the article reveals several hyperlinks pointing to other MSN stories: one that highlights the White House’s 2020 Thanksgiving speech, another that chronicles Trump’s own public remarks on the holiday in 2018, and a third that cites a 2021 CNN interview in which a presidential candidate declared Thanksgiving “a moment of unity.” These links serve to remind readers that the holiday’s symbolism has been co‑opted by partisan actors for years.

2. Advice from Political Experts

A. Dr. Melissa K. — “Separate the Meal From the Message”

A political scientist from Georgetown University explains that the core of the issue lies in language. “Words like ‘liberal,’ ‘conservative,’ or ‘Trump supporter’ carry emotional weight that can trigger defensiveness even before the first bite is taken,” Dr. K. says. She recommends creating a “no politics” rule, encouraging family members to steer clear of politically loaded topics unless everyone consents to a respectful debate. The article cites Dr. K.’s suggestion to begin the meal with a shared gratitude exercise—listening to a short, neutral gratitude meditation—which, according to her research, lowers emotional arousal and primes people for cooperative behavior.

B. James R. — “Listen Before You Speak”

James R., a former White House communications director, urges listeners to practice active listening. He proposes a simple technique: each person takes a turn speaking for two minutes about something positive that happened during the week. The key is that the speaker should not solicit political views; instead, the audience should respond with genuine interest. James likens this to a “political pause” that keeps the table from becoming a debate stage.

C. Dr. Emily S. — “Use Inclusive Language”

The article also brings in Dr. Emily S., a sociolinguist who stresses the importance of inclusive language. “Instead of labeling each other by ideology, refer to common humanity—‘we,’ ‘our family,’ or ‘our community’—can reduce perceived threat,” she explains. Dr. Emily provides a list of phrases that soften divisive language, such as “some people might see it that way” or “we can agree to disagree.” The article interlinks to a study on linguistic framing that found these softer terms correlate with reduced conflict in family discussions.

3. Tips from Politicians

A. Rep. Carla N. (D‑TX)

A seasoned member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Carla N., emphasizes the importance of setting expectations at the start of the gathering. “I make it clear that this is a ‘family dinner’—politics will be postponed until after dessert or not at all,” she says. The article quotes her saying, “When people know the boundary ahead of time, the likelihood of an argument drops significantly.” She also advises keeping the agenda simple: welcome speech, toast to health and safety, and a collective moment of silence for the nation’s frontline workers.

B. Sen. James G. (R‑VA)

Sen. James G. shares a more hands‑on strategy: “I introduce a new family tradition—a ‘Thanksgiving gratitude jar.’ Everyone writes down something they’re thankful for and places it in the jar. Once the dinner is over, we read the notes aloud.” The article links to a video of a Senate panel discussion on family traditions that highlight how symbolic rituals can help depersonalize political differences.

C. Former Ambassador Maya T.

Maya T., who served in the State Department, offers an international perspective. She suggests framing Thanksgiving as a “dialogue of cultures” rather than a “dialogue of ideologies.” Maya explains that by inviting family members to share the origin stories of the dishes on the table—perhaps the Italian family’s pasta dish or the Mexican family’s tamales—people focus on shared heritage instead of shared politics.

4. Practical, Everyday Strategies

The article lists several concrete actions families can take:

1. Plan a “politics-free” menu: Keep the food simple and familiar so the conversation isn’t sidetracked by exotic dishes that may spark debate.
2. Assign a “house moderator”: Rotate the responsibility each year so that no single family member feels overwhelmed.
3. Limit social media: Put phones in a designated “no‑politics” box and read family messages at a later time.
4. Encourage shared gratitude: End the meal with a shared toast or a gratitude circle.
5. Address disagreements politely: If a political disagreement arises, redirect it by acknowledging feelings and proposing a follow‑up discussion later.

Each of these suggestions is accompanied by anecdotal evidence from the article’s sources. For instance, Rep. Carla N. shares a story of how she once had a heated discussion about immigration policy, which she was able to defuse by proposing a “politics pause” and then returning to the meal.

5. The Take‑Away: It Won’t Be Easy, But It’s Possible

While the piece concedes that the path to a truly conflict‑free Thanksgiving is fraught with obstacles—particularly for families where political views are deeply entrenched—it argues that preparation, intentional language, and shared rituals can dramatically reduce friction. The author emphasizes that the key is not to silence politics entirely but to manage how it is discussed.

The article concludes with a hopeful note: “The American family has survived political upheavals before. With the right tools, it can do it again.” The closing paragraph includes a link to an additional guide on “How to Have a Healthy Family Debate,” offering readers further reading.

6. Additional Contextual Links

• White House’s 2020 Thanksgiving Speech – provides insight into how the executive office used the holiday to frame national unity.
• Trump’s 2018 Thanksgiving Remarks – shows how the former president leveraged the holiday to rally supporters.
• CNN Interview: “Thanksgiving—A Moment of Unity” – offers a counter‑perspective on how politicians can frame the holiday positively.
• Study on Linguistic Framing and Conflict – gives empirical support for the advice on inclusive language.

These links reinforce the article’s narrative that Thanksgiving is not only a culinary tradition but also a cultural and political event that can either bridge divides or widen them.

Final Thoughts

In a nation that feels increasingly fragmented, the simple act of gathering around a table for Thanksgiving can be a litmus test for family cohesion. The MSN article distills a wealth of political insight into actionable advice, from setting clear boundaries to employing inclusive language and creating shared rituals. While it acknowledges that peace will not come without effort, it offers a blueprint that families can adapt to their own dynamics.

Whether you’re a political novice or a seasoned commentator, the central lesson is clear: Thanksgiving is most powerful when it becomes a platform for gratitude, shared humanity, and mutual respect—rather than a stage for partisan posturing. By taking the time to plan, listen, and celebrate what brings us together, families can hope to reclaim the holiday as a time of true unity, even in the most polarised of times.