WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump is set to honor the Thanksgiving tradition by pardoning two turkeys, Waddle and Gobble, before traveling to his private Florida resort to celebrate the holiday. The turkey pardon is a long-standing presidential ritual, yet this Thanksgiving may offer little political pause for Trump, given recent alarming developments.

In the wake of Democratic successes in state elections and rising costs associated with Thanksgiving dinners, the president's claims about lower holiday meal expenses have been challenged. Research indicates that families may face higher prices this year, a stark reminder of ongoing economic frustrations among the populace.

Trump's political landscape remains rocky as he attempts to navigate the complexities of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and plans military actions in Venezuela. In Congress, the Republican coalition appears to fragment, with some members breaking ranks to advocate for transparency regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

Compounding these issues, a federal court dealt Trump a setback by dismissing cases against prominent figures James Comey and Letitia James, both of whom he has targeted in what many see as a politically motivated campaign.

Amidst this chaos, the White House is transitioning into a festive season disrupted by ongoing construction for a new ballroom, juxtaposing the celebrations with visible changes to the historic residence.