The news scene often slows down on Thanksgiving as people connect with family and friends. However, the holiday can also bring a spotlight to political controversies in Washington, D.C.
Controversies and scandals have been part of American history, often coming to the fore during gatherings or shopping trips on Black Friday. This piece takes a look back at some significant political events that shook the nation around the Thanksgiving holiday.
Nixon’s Defiant Defense
Back in 1973, President Richard Nixon famously insisted he wasn’t a “crook” during a press conference in Orlando, amid the ongoing Watergate scandal. He was addressing accusations of trying to cover up the break-in at Democratic National Committee headquarters.
During a televised Q&A with journalists, Nixon claimed he had never profited from his public service. “I’ve made mistakes,” he admitted, “but I’ve never obstructed justice.” This statement came just before a major turning point in his presidency.
Nixon eventually resigned in 1974 while facing impeachment, but he received a pardon later and avoided federal charges related to the scandal.
The Iran-Contra Affair Unfolds
Fast forward to Thanksgiving 1986, President Ronald Reagan dealt with the fallout from the Iran-Contra affair. News broke about secret arms sales to Iran intended to release hostages, with funds then funneled to Nicaraguan rebels.
Just days before the holiday, Reagan removed Lt. Col. Oliver North from the National Security Council and announced the resignation of National Security Advisor John Poindexter. The situation drew considerable public attention, with discussions about the implications lasting well beyond Thanksgiving.
Clinton’s Impeachment Questions
In 1998, as many Americans participated in Black Friday shopping, President Bill Clinton was submitting responses to 81 questions from the House Judiciary Committee concerning his relationship with Monica Lewinsky. His prior declaration of having “no sexual relations” with her set the stage for further inquiry.
The impeachment process ramped up around Thanksgiving, with allegations of perjury and obstruction of justice surfacing. Clinton faced scrutiny, but ultimately, he was acquitted by the Senate.
Bush’s Secretive Visit
In a lighter moment, President George W. Bush made a surprise Thanksgiving visit to troops in Iraq in 2003. This trip was kept under wraps until his arrival and marked the first time a sitting president visited Iraq.
Though some interpreted the trip as politically motivated, the administration emphasized its intent to support military personnel during wartime, highlighting the significance of the visit.
Pardoning Flynn
On the eve of Thanksgiving 2020, President Trump announced a full pardon for former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. The statement claimed Flynn should never have faced prosecution and labeled the legal pursuits against him as partisan.
This pardon concluded a lengthy legal battle stemming from the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, where Flynn had previously pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. His case had been complicated and controversial, especially amid claims of government misconduct.
