Trump used Thanksgiving to push a hardline immigration message instead of the traditional themes of unity. Early in the morning, he wrote on Truth Social that he plans to “permanently pause migration from all Third World countries” to “restore” the U.S. He argued this pause would “allow the system to fully recover, terminate millions of illegal admissions, and remove anyone who is not a net asset to the country,” and said his administration would consider “denaturalization” to reduce “illegal and disruptive populations.” He did not explain how these sweeping ideas would be carried out, and similar broad restrictions in the past have faced major legal and constitutional challenges.

His holiday posts sharply contrasted with typical presidential Thanksgiving messages. In another statement, he blamed Americans for “allowing our Country to be divided, disrupted, carved up, murdered, beaten, mugged, and laughed at… when it comes to Immigration.”

He finished with: “HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL — except those that hate, steal, murder, and destroy everything that America stands for,” a line that drew attention for its confrontational tone on a holiday centered on gratitude.

Reactions came quickly. Critics called the posts divisive and inflammatory, while supporters viewed them as clear and consistent with his long-held immigration agenda. The comments also followed recent attacks by Trump on journalists and political opponents.

Overall, his Thanksgiving message reflected the broader tone of his campaign: combative, unapologetic, and aimed at energizing loyal supporters rather than seeking national consensus.