President Donald Trump marked Thanksgiving this year not with a message of unity, but with a combative declaration on immigration that immediately reignited national debate. In early-morning posts on Truth Social, he announced plans to “permanently pause migration from all Third World countries,” framing the idea as part of an effort to “restore” the United States.
He claimed such a suspension would “allow the system to fully recover, terminate millions of illegal admissions, and remove anyone who is not a net asset to the country.” Trump also suggested his administration would pursue “denaturalization” of certain migrants to achieve what he described as a major reduction in “illegal and disruptive populations.”
No specific details were offered about how these sweeping actions would be implemented. Broad immigration restrictions have historically faced significant legal, constitutional, and logistical barriers, often leading to extended court battles.
Thanksgiving messages from U.S. presidents traditionally focus on gratitude, unity, and reflection. Trump’s posts, however, adopted a sharply political tone. In one message, he criticized Americans for “allowing our Country to be divided, disrupted, carved up, murdered, beaten, mugged, and laughed at… when it comes to Immigration.”
He ended with: “HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL — except those that hate, steal, murder, and destroy everything that America stands for.” The phrasing drew particular attention for its confrontational style on a holiday associated with connection and goodwill.
Public reaction was swift. Critics labeled the remarks inflammatory and divisive, while supporters praised them as forthright and consistent with his longstanding immigration agenda. The comments also followed renewed attacks by Trump on journalists and political rivals, including harsh personal insults.
Observers note that his Thanksgiving message mirrors the broader tone of his campaign: combative, unapologetic, and oriented toward mobilizing loyal supporters rather than appealing to consensus.
At a moment when many Americans traditionally gather to reflect on gratitude and belonging, Trump’s words once again highlighted deep national divides — and the powerful influence presidential rhetoric continues to hold over public discourse.