Thanksgiving 2025 brought the usual mix of turkey, gratitude, and family gatherings. But if you're a political leader or tech CEO, it also meant crafting the perfect holiday message for social media. Some went triumphant, others went heartfelt, and at least one went full AI-generated turkey dinner.
Trump's Optimistic Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago
President Donald Trump celebrated the holiday at Mar-a-Lago after fulfilling his annual duty at the White House: pardoning the Thanksgiving turkeys. This year's fortunate birds, Waddle and Gobble, received what Trump called a "full and unconditional pardon."
His official Thanksgiving Day 2025 proclamation struck a decidedly upbeat tone. Trump said God had "bestowed abundant blessings" on the nation and argued the U.S. economy was "roaring back." Nothing says holiday gratitude quite like a little economic cheerleading.
RFK Jr.'s AI-Generated Thanksgiving Throwback
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took a more playful approach. He shared an AI-generated image showing himself, Trump, Donald Trump Jr., House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Elon Musk gathered around a Thanksgiving feast aboard Air Force One. His caption? A simple "Happy Thanksgiving!"
The image was a spoof of a real 2024 photo that went viral, which showed the same group eating McDonald's on a private jet. Apparently, AI can upgrade your fast food to a proper turkey spread.
Lawmakers Emphasize Gratitude and Togetherness
Over on X, lawmakers kept things more traditional. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wished everyone a "Happy Thanksgiving" and thanked her Massachusetts constituents for allowing her to serve, saying she was "grateful to fight by your side."
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also shared holiday wishes, urging followers to remember that "when we stand together with hope and love," a more just future is possible.
Former President Barack Obama used the occasion to encourage Americans to give back to their communities, wishing families a "wonderful Thanksgiving."
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth honored U.S. service members, thanking them for their courage and sacrifice. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted American values rooted in "freedom, family and country."
Tech CEOs Stay Very On-Brand
The tech world's approach to Thanksgiving was predictably corporate but charming in its own way.
Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) CEO Sundar Pichai shared a Google Trends-based Thanksgiving placemat designed to spark dinner table conversations. Because nothing says family bonding like discussing search query data over cranberry sauce.
Apple Inc. (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook kept it simple with a straightforward greeting from the "Apple family."
Tesla Inc. (TSLA), SpaceX, and xAI CEO Elon Musk celebrated with flag emojis and a declaration about how "amazing" Thanksgiving food is. Hard to argue with that assessment.
Wall Street Weighs In
Even financial analysts got into the holiday spirit. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives posted an enthusiastic message packed with emojis, encouraging his followers to enjoy time with family and friends.
Speaking of Wedbush and Tesla, the stock continues showing solid upward momentum over the mid and long term, even as its short-term trend recently turned negative. Not exactly Thanksgiving dinner conversation, but worth noting if you're tracking the EV maker's performance.
From presidential proclamations to AI-generated feasts to Google Trends placemats, Thanksgiving 2025 proved once again that how you celebrate says a lot about who you are. Whether you prefer your holiday messages triumphant, thoughtful, or delightfully weird, there was something for everyone this year.