On November 26, 2025, U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited Fort Campbell to engage with soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division in a pre-Thanksgiving event. Vance aimed to uplift the mood with a comedy skit and remarks about the holiday. However, his performance received mixed reactions, leading to significant online backlash.
Mixed Reactions to Comedy Attempt
Vance opened his address with a stand-up style routine, attempting to mimic a comedian’s pacing. His opening line, “Think about turkey,” was met with silence rather than laughter, prompting him to remark, “I’ve got a fan over here.” Many soldiers reportedly found the routine confusing, with witnesses noting that numerous audience members remained still while Vance pushed through several punchlines.
As the skit progressed, it became evident that it failed to resonate with the troops. Reports indicated that Vance “left troops more baffled than belly-laughing,” a sentiment echoed across social media. Users characterized the performance as a “turkey of a stand-up bit” that “landed with a thud.”
Controversial Remarks Spark Online Backlash
Transitioning from jokes, Vance engaged in a lighthearted debate about the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, questioning its popularity. He provocatively asked, “Who really likes turkey? You’re all full of s–t.” His commentary included remarks suggesting that turkey is only served on one day of the year, asking, “How many times do you roast an 18-pound turkey randomly… on a nice, summer afternoon?” He then declared, “Nobody does it, because turkey doesn’t actually taste that good.”
Vance also praised chicken, stating, “Chicken is good all the time,” and joking about his plans to deep-fry a turkey himself on Thanksgiving Day. This segment garnered mixed responses from the troops, with one soldier expressing her intent to deep-fry her turkey, to which Vance responded affirmatively.
As the visit concluded, Vance shifted focus to patriotism, describing Thanksgiving as “probably my favourite American holiday” and linking it to gratitude. He emphasized the American spirit, saying, “At the heart of it is the spirit of gratitude,” and encouraged troops to honour family traditions during the holiday.
Despite Vance’s intentions, his remarks quickly drew criticism online. Some users remarked on the quality of his performance, with one stating, “I’ve never seen a vice president bomb on stage,” while another quipped, “Turkeys have more charisma I’m afraid.” Comments on his delivery described it as “condescending” and “awkward.” Users also criticized his appearance and character, with some calling him an “empty suit foisted into power by Peter Thiel and the dark money oligarchs.”
By the end of the day, Vance’s attempt to boost morale had instead led to widespread ridicule, making him a trending topic across various social media platforms. His visit to Fort Campbell, intended to celebrate a cherished American holiday, had taken an unexpected turn, highlighting the complexities of political outreach and public reception.
