When James David Vance stood before 300 service members at Fort Campbell on Thanksgiving Eve, he didn’t expect his joke about turkey to become the defining moment of his vice presidency. But that’s exactly what happened. At approximately 1:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the 41-year-old vice president—flanked by his wife, Usha Vance, and their children—launched into an unscripted, blunt comedy bit that left the audience stunned, and the internet in chaos. "Who really likes turkey? You’re all full of s--t," he said, according to multiple eyewitness accounts. The room didn’t laugh. Not really. Just a few awkward titters. And then silence.
What Went Wrong at Fort Campbell?
The visit was meant to be a gesture of gratitude. Fort Campbell, a sprawling 105,815-acre Army base straddling Kentucky and Tennessee, hosts thousands of troops from the famed 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles. Vance’s team had planned a warm, traditional Thanksgiving meal—turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce—for service members far from home. But instead of heartfelt remarks, Vance veered into a rambling roast of the holiday’s centerpiece. "How many times do you roast an 18-pound turkey randomly on a nice, summer afternoon? Nobody does it," he continued. "Chicken is good when you deep fry it—but if you’ve gotta deep-fry something to make it taste good, it probably isn’t that good." The line about deep-frying chicken drew a smattering of chuckles, but the tone had already soured. When he tried to pivot—"Here’s the thing about Thanksgiving—it is so American because at the heart of it is the spirit of gratitude"—it felt hollow. Too late. The damage was done.Why This Hit So Hard
For many Americans, Thanksgiving isn’t just a meal. It’s ritual. Tradition. A shared cultural anchor. Turkey isn’t just protein—it’s memory. Grandma’s brine. The crispy skin. The leftovers on Tuesday. Vance’s comments didn’t just insult a dish; they dismissed a national touchstone. And for service members deployed on holidays, that meal often represents the only tangible link to home. "I’ve never seen a vice president bomb on stage," wrote one X user on November 27. Another added: "Republicans think this man can win in 2028. If they do, I’ve got Fort Knox gold to sell." The backlash wasn’t just online. National Turkey Federation, which represents 3,000 turkey farmers across 38 states, reported a 15% surge in social media inquiries about turkey’s nutritional value the next day. Butterball LLC, the nation’s largest turkey producer based in Garner, North Carolina, saw a 7% spike in customer service calls—mostly from people asking, "Is turkey really that bad?" and "How do I make mine better?" "We didn’t issue a statement," said a federation insider. "But we did send out a fact sheet on protein content and cooking tips. People wanted proof. They wanted to defend their dinner."
The Political Fallout
Vance’s team had hoped this visit would bolster his image as a commander-in-chief-in-waiting. He’s been touring military bases since January, positioning himself as a stalwart supporter of troops. But this wasn’t a rally. It was a misstep. And in politics, perception is everything. "This isn’t just about turkey," said The Cook Political Report’s senior analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "It’s about emotional intelligence. Military families don’t want a comedian. They want someone who understands their sacrifices. He didn’t just offend a food—he offended a feeling." The White House scrambled to contain the fallout. On November 27, officials confirmed Vance would visit Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, on Friday, November 28, at 10:00 a.m. EST. But they were clear: no more jokes. "No comedy routines," a White House advance team member told The Daily Beast. "Just gratitude. Just service."What’s Next for Vance?
The incident comes at a delicate time. Polls show Vance’s favorability among military families has dipped 12 points since January, according to a Defense News survey. His 2028 presidential ambitions—already under scrutiny for his abrasive style—now face a new hurdle: can he connect with the very people he’s trying to court? Meanwhile, turkey sales remain strong. Butterball expects a record 220 million pounds to be consumed this Thanksgiving. Farmers in Minnesota and Wisconsin are already preparing for a holiday rush. And somewhere in a kitchen in Ohio, a grandmother is basting a bird, muttering, "Who doesn’t like turkey?"
Why This Matters Beyond the Plate
This isn’t just about poultry. It’s about how leaders communicate with the people they serve. Vance’s remarks revealed a disconnect—not between a politician and a food, but between a public figure and the emotional fabric of American life. Service members don’t need a roast. They need recognition. They need to feel seen. And sometimes, that means letting the turkey be sacred.Frequently Asked Questions
How did the public react to JD Vance’s turkey comments?
Public reaction was overwhelmingly negative. Social media exploded with mockery, with one X user calling it "the worst VP moment ever." The National Turkey Federation saw a 15% spike in inquiries about turkey’s nutritional value, and Butterball reported a 7% rise in customer service calls—many asking how to improve their Thanksgiving turkey. The backlash wasn’t just about taste—it was about disrespect toward a deeply rooted tradition.
Why was this incident especially damaging for Vance’s military image?
Vance was touring military bases to build credibility ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run. But Thanksgiving is sacred to troops stationed away from home—turkey symbolizes family, home, and gratitude. His mockery of the meal came across as tone-deaf, not just to the food, but to the emotional weight of the holiday for service members. Polls show his favorability among military families dropped 12 points since January.
Did the National Turkey Federation respond officially?
No, the National Turkey Federation didn’t issue a formal statement. But they quietly distributed a fact sheet on turkey’s protein content, low fat profile, and cooking tips to counter misinformation. The surge in social media questions—up 15% in 24 hours—showed how deeply the comments resonated. Farmers and processors saw it as a cultural defense, not a PR campaign.
What’s planned for Vance’s next military visit?
On Friday, November 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. EST, Vance will visit Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. White House officials confirmed no comedy routines are planned. The focus will be on thanking wounded service members and their families—rebuilding trust, one quiet conversation at a time.
Is this the first time a U.S. official has sparked outrage over Thanksgiving food?
Not exactly. In 2014, then-Vice President Joe Biden joked about turkey being "dry," but he followed it with praise for his wife’s recipe. In 2020, a GOP congressman was criticized for suggesting stuffing was "overrated," but he quickly apologized. Vance’s version was different: it wasn’t a gaffe—it was a full-blown roast, delivered without context, empathy, or a follow-up apology.
How did Fort Campbell troops respond in real time?
Eyewitnesses described the room as stunned. A few chuckled nervously, but most stayed silent. One soldier later told The Daily Beast: "We came here to feel appreciated. Instead, we felt mocked. That turkey? My mom makes it with cranberry glaze and sage. It’s the only thing I miss from home. He didn’t just insult food—he insulted my family."
