President Donald J. Trump issued the 2025 Thanksgiving Proclamation on November 27, calling on Americans nationwide to give thanks, reflect on the country’s blessings and draw inspiration from the nation’s historic tradition of gratitude. The proclamation emphasizes unity, faith and the ongoing pursuit of national resilience.
A Tradition Rooted in Early American History
Thanksgiving has long carried deep symbolic meaning, originating with early expressions of gratitude by settlers who relied on faith and collective resolve during uncertain times. President George Washington’s 1789 proclamation established the first National Day of Thanksgiving, linking the observance to gratitude, humility and reverence.
Decades later, President Abraham Lincoln made the holiday a permanent national fixture during the Civil War, urging Americans to pause and unite in thanksgiving despite hardship. These historic moments continue to inform modern observances, emphasizing shared responsibility and national purpose.
Today’s proclamation intentionally echoes those earlier calls by reminding citizens of the endurance and commitment that have defined the American story.
Gratitude, Faith and the American Character
Throughout the 2025 message, themes of gratitude and faith take center stage. The proclamation highlights the sacrifices of past generations—from pilgrims and patriots to pioneers and soldiers—whose determination shaped the nation.
The President notes that these qualities remain central to American identity. Moreover, he emphasizes that thanksgiving is not only a commemoration of the past but also a reflection on ongoing national challenges. Although the message is celebratory, it carries an expectation of continued responsibility and stewardship.
These reflections position Thanksgiving as both a spiritual and civic tradition, encouraging Americans to engage with their heritage while preparing for the future.
Economic Momentum and the Reality Behind the Numbers
The proclamation asserts that the American economy is “roaring back,” citing signs of renewed growth and expanding opportunity. Recent data supports some of these claims. Real GDP grew at an annualized rate of roughly 3.8% in Q2 2025 after a decline in Q1, and nowcasts for Q3 indicate continued above-trend expansion.
However, many households still feel stretched. While headline inflation has cooled from recent peaks and staples such as Thanksgiving dinner items have seen small price declines, overall prices remain well above pre-2022 levels. Wage growth and borrowing costs continue to influence day-to-day affordability.
Consequently, the economic picture is mixed: encouraging at the macro level but less certain for families facing accumulated financial pressures.
2025 Economic Snapshot
Below is a summary of important indicators shaping the national environment referenced in the proclamation.
2025 Economic Indicators
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| GDP Growth | ↑ | Strong rebound Q2 at 3.8% annualized; Q3 trending near 4% |
| Unemployment | Slight rise | Up to 4.4% with slower hiring |
| Inflation | Moderating | Near 3%, still above Fed target |
| Consumer Sentiment | Declining | University of Michigan index near 51 |
This combination of growth, elevated prices and subdued sentiment explains why public perceptions diverge from headline economic performance.
The Full Proclamation
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
In 1789, just years after America’s triumph over tyranny in the Revolutionary War, President George Washington established the first National Day of Thanksgiving, declaring “the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” Decades later, in the midst of the bloody Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln implored the Nation to join in unity for “a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” In every generation since, this spirit of reverence, trust, and gratitude has preserved our way of life and made America the strongest, greatest, and most resilient Nation the world has ever known.
From the pilgrims who settled our continent and the patriots who won our independence on the battlefield to the pioneers who tamed the west and the warriors who have preserved our freedom in distant lands, the spirit of gratitude and grit embodied by those who celebrated the first Thanksgiving more than 400 years ago have stood at the very heart of what it means to be an American.
This year, God has bestowed abundant blessings all across our land and indeed the entire world. As we give thanks to Him, we continue to advance our Nation through strong leadership and commonsense policy. As a result, the American economy is roaring back, we are making progress on lowering the cost of living, a new era of peace is sweeping around the world, our sovereignty is being swiftly restored, and the American spirit is coming back greater and more powerful than ever before.
As we prepare to celebrate 250 glorious years of American independence, this Thanksgiving, we summon the faith, resolve, and unflinching fortitude of the giants of American history who came before us. We vow to build a future that echoes their sacrifice. Above all, we offer our endless gratitude to Almighty God for His love, grace, and infinite blessings.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 27, 2025, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to gather, in homes and places of worship, to offer a prayer of thanks to God for our many blessings.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
A Moment for National Togetherness
As Americans prepare for the holiday, the 2025 proclamation serves as a reminder of the country’s enduring ability to adapt and persevere. The nation’s long history—from its earliest settlements to modern challenges—continues to shape the meaning of Thanksgiving.
Ultimately, the proclamation frames the day as more than tradition. It is an invitation to reflect on heritage, acknowledge progress and reaffirm the shared values that define the American story.
Sources: White House, US Department of the Treasury, Trading Economics, Groundwork Collaborative, and Reuters.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
