Danica Patrick, the renowned former NASCAR and IndyCar driver, responded on social media to JD Vance’s controversial comments about turkey just ahead of Thanksgiving, reflecting the mixed emotions the holiday can elicit. The exchange drew buzz as it occurred during a Thanksgiving meal event for troops at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, highlighting contrasting public figures and opinions in the political spotlight.
During a visit to Fort Campbell following a recent shooting incident near the White House in Washington, D.C. that left National Guard soldiers wounded, JD Vance addressed gathered troops and shifted his remarks toward the Thanksgiving meal, questioning tradition in a way that sparked both laughter and surprise. Vance asked the servicemembers,
“Be honest with yourselves. Who really likes Turkey?”
When some raised their hands, Vance challenged their sincerity, continuing,
“You’re all full of s**t. Everybody who raised your hands. Here’s how I know that every single one of you who raised your hand is lying to me. How many times do you roast an 18-pound turkey randomly…on a nice, summer afternoon? Nobody does it because turkey doesn’t actually taste that good. … If you’ve gotta deep-fry something to make it taste good, it probably isn’t that good.”
These comments set the stage for a flurry of reactions both online and in the media, as the vice president and his family continued serving meals to the soldiers.
Danica Patrick, who has previously participated in campaign events for Donald Trump and moderated appearances for JD Vance, captured attention with her own Thanksgiving reaction on Instagram. The post included a string of laughing emojis—“🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣”—underscoring the divisive yet humorous tone that Vance’s rant elicited among his supporters and the wider public. Patrick’s response reflected the forum’s emotional complexity, given her advocacy for Vance and active presence in the 2024 election cycle, where she chaired events in Phoenix and credited an interview with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for sparking her political interest.
Known for her trailblazing achievements on the racetrack, Patrick remains one of the top drivers in recent American motorsports history, having become the first woman to win a major IndyCar race at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan in 2008. She later made her mark in NASCAR by earning the pole position for the Daytona 500 in 2013. Beyond her racing legacy, she now manages several businesses and frequently posts updates about her personal life on social media networks, sometimes sharing special moments with her audience.
Gathering with Family: Patrick Marks Her Father’s Birthday Before Thanksgiving
Just as the holiday season ramped up, Danica Patrick returned home to celebrate her father, Terry Joseph (T.J.) Patrick Jr.’s, birthday. Sharing her affection publicly, Patrick posted,
“Happy birthday pops!!!! Another year bites the dust!!!! But it’s not showing! Love you!”
along with photos and videos of the occasion. The festivities included her father sampling a caviar appetizer she had made especially for him, offering a glimpse into the family’s holiday traditions and Patrick’s focus on loved ones during this time of year.
Since stepping away from full-time racing in the late 2010s, Patrick has made her presence felt in broadcasting. She has been a commentator and pundit for Sky Sports’ Formula One coverage and provided insights during the Indy 500. Her commentary is often sought after in the NASCAR and motorsports arenas, cementing her profile as not only a pioneering athlete but also a prominent voice in the world of racing media and events.
The exchange between JD Vance and Danica Patrick around Thanksgiving dinner traditions, taken in the context of recent national events and Patrick’s own family milestones, highlights the complicated intersection of politics, popular culture, and American rituals. As figures like Vance and Patrick shape conversations in both sporting and political domains, their voices carry influence over public sentiment, especially in emotionally charged seasons and events.
