Democracy Dies in Darkness

How to argue about politics on Thanksgiving — with the facts

On tariffs, deportations and democracy itself, here are the facts about these heated issues.

6 min
National Thanksgiving turkeys Peach and Blossom before a pardoning ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House on Nov. 25, 2024. Here are the facts about political topics that might come up on Thanksgiving. (Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post)
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If there’s a Thanksgiving when politics could come up, it’s probably this one. The United States just had an emotional presidential election, and the country remains fiercely divided over the best ways to govern and who the right leaders are to do it.

President-elect Donald Trump is already taking steps to make major changes to economic policy, immigration and how government works. He has said he’ll introduce new tariffs on goods coming in from some countries, will start mass deportations and is trying to knock down checks and balances to make sure no one gets in his way.