On November 26, 2025, U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited Fort Campbell to celebrate Thanksgiving with the soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division. His aim was to uplift spirits through a comedy skit, but the attempt quickly turned into an awkward affair that evoked discomfort among the troops and widespread mockery online.
Vance’s performance began with a stand-up routine, resembling a comedian’s pacing but failing to connect with the audience. He started with a line about turkey, stating, “Think about turkey,” while waiting for a response that never materialized. Witnesses reported an air of confusion as many soldiers remained still, and laughter eluded his punchlines. Describing the atmosphere, one observer noted that Vance “left troops more baffled than belly-laughing.” His comments soon became fodder for social media users, with many labeling it a “turkey of a stand-up bit.”
Transitioning from jokes to a critique of Thanksgiving turkey, Vance asked the soldiers who genuinely enjoyed the traditional dish. He provocatively declared, “Think about turkey… Who really likes turkey? You’re all full of s–t.” He questioned the frequency of turkey consumption, quipping, “How many times do you roast an 18-pound turkey randomly… on a nice, summer afternoon?” His remarks continued to draw ire as he suggested that if deep frying was necessary to make turkey taste good, then it likely wasn’t a quality dish to begin with.
In an unexpected pivot, Vance praised chicken, claiming, “Chicken is good all the time.” One soldier mentioned plans to deep-fry her turkey, to which he responded that he would also consider deep frying one for Thanksgiving Day.
As the event neared its end, Vance shifted to themes of patriotism, calling Thanksgiving “probably my favourite American holiday” and “the most uniquely American holiday.” He linked this day to the spirit of gratitude, stating, “At the heart of it is the spirit of gratitude.” He encouraged the troops to cherish the holiday and uphold their family traditions.
Despite his intentions, Vance’s remarks were not well-received online. Users quickly took to social media to express their discontent. One comment read, “I’ve never seen a vice president bomb on stage,” while another bluntly stated, “Turkeys have more charisma I’m afraid.” Critics also targeted his delivery, labeling it “condescending” and “awkward.”
In a more personal attack, one user described him as an “oddly dressed unshaven man wearing guyliner,” criticizing his approach to a cherished American tradition. Others condemned his character, with comments such as, “He is the turkey — nobody actually likes him,” and “This man is a blackhole of charisma.” Criticism flowed freely, with various users calling him “embarrassing,” a “loser,” or a “jerk.”
By the end of the day, Vance’s attempt to boost morale inadvertently transformed him into a trending topic of ridicule across the nation. The fallout from this event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of public appearances, especially during significant cultural moments like Thanksgiving.
