Former President Donald Trump has unleashed a torrent of furious responses during the Thanksgiving break, targeting critics who questioned his energy levels and advancing several controversial policy positions that have raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.
Explosive reaction to health concerns
The catalyst for Trump's outburst was a New York Times report suggesting the 79-year-old president was showing signs of ageing and fatigue. The publication documented that despite taking more foreign trips, Trump maintains fewer public events than during his first term, travels domestically much less, and often appears drowsy during Oval Office meetings.
Trump responded with characteristic fury on his Truth Social platform, labelling the newspaper "the Creeps at the Failing New York Times" and insisting "I have never worked so hard in my life." He went further by personally attacking reporter Katie Rogers, describing her as "a third rate reporter who is ugly, both inside and out."
The president emphasised his recent physical examination and cognitive test results, declaring he had "aced" the assessment and was far from running low on energy despite his age.
Controversial policy moves and personnel decisions
Beyond the health controversy, Trump floated several significant policy shifts that captured attention. He hinted at potential military action against Venezuela, telling reporters he "might" speak with President Nicolás Maduro, whom the US designates as heading a foreign terrorist organisation.
"If we can save lives," Trump stated, "If we can do things the easy way, that's fine. And if we have to do it the hard way, that's fine, too." When pressed on his objectives for Venezuela, he responded cryptically: "I'm not going to tell you what the goal is. You should probably know what the goal is."
In diplomatic developments, Trump confirmed that real estate associate Steve Witkoff would travel to Moscow potentially accompanied by Jared Kushner for meetings with President Vladimir Putin. This follows revelations that Witkoff had been coaching Putin's adviser Yuri Ushakov on how to approach Trump about Ukraine negotiations.
Domestic controversies and family detentions
The Thanksgiving period also saw immigration enforcement action affecting the family of Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Bruna Caroline Ferreria, mother of Leavitt's nephew, was detained by ICE for overstaying her visa. The Brazilian national, who entered the US as a child in 1999, was taken into custody in Louisiana.
Meanwhile, Trump entertained rebranding his political movement, musing about new names for his supporters. "There is a new word for a TRUMP REPUBLICAN, which is almost everyone," he posted. "Is it TEPUBLICAN??? Or, TPUBLICAN???"
In Ohio politics, former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy found himself embroiled in controversy after proposing year-round schooling with extended hours - a policy so unconventional that some MAGA influencers initially believed the video was an AI deepfake.
Trump also defended Lindsey Halligan, the prosecutor he illegally installed to pursue cases against former FBI director James Comey and Letitia James, describing her as "great" and suggesting the cases might be refiled despite legal setbacks.
