Post-election tensions following Donald Trump’s victory are causing families to reconsider their Thanksgiving plans. Some are choosing to skip gatherings with family members who voted for Trump, while others feel excluded from family events for supporting him. Political divisions have made discussing politics at the dinner table more difficult than ever, leading to strained relationships within politically divided families and friend groups. A CBS News/YouGov poll found that many people plan to avoid political discussions at Thanksgiving, with some changing plans to avoid those who voted differently. The divide has escalated since Trump’s first victory in 2016, with some feeling that it goes beyond politics and into personal morals and rights.
Public figures and experts have weighed in on the topic, with some supporting the idea of distancing oneself from those with opposing views, while others argue for maintaining relationships despite differences. The polarization in the country, fueled by social media and a lack of understanding of the other party’s actual stances, has made it increasingly difficult for people to find common ground with those who have different political beliefs.
Some individuals, like author Diana Rodriguez Wallach and Trump supporter Jordan Williams, are opting to skip Thanksgiving gatherings to protect their mental health and avoid potentially divisive arguments. Hostage negotiator Scott Walker is offering a hotline on Thanksgiving Day for families needing help diffusing political arguments. Overall, finding ways to engage in productive conversations with curiosity rather than assumption may help politically divided families navigate the holiday season without further dividing relationships.
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