Francesca Hong Faces Backlash for Thanksgiving Remarks

Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist and leading candidate for Wisconsin governor, is currently under scrutiny following comments about Thanksgiving. Her remarks during a CNN interview have stirred controversy.

While speaking on “The Source with Kaitlan Collins,” Hong addressed questions from Collins. A past social media post where Hong suggested canceling Thanksgiving prompted the discussion. Collins asked directly, “Do you still believe that Thanksgiving should be canceled?”

Francesca Hong’s Perspective

Hong, a 37-year-old state assemblywoman, recalled her early experiences with Thanksgiving. “I’m a chef, and one of the first meals I made for the community at 16 was a Thanksgiving meal,” Hong said. She emphasized the importance of communal meals in her career, noting the benefits of bringing people together.

However, Hong also expressed concerns about the holiday. “Thanksgiving is a time that’s incredibly painful for many in our communities,” she stated. Hong underlined that views can evolve and stressed the value of understanding different perspectives. She believes her background as a chef aligns with her goal as a governor candidate, aiming to bring more people together.

Controversial Remarks and Backlash

A deleted post from 2020 initiated the current backlash. In it, Hong compared the pandemic’s impact to historical Thanksgiving events. She wrote, “Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621,” suggesting the holiday symbolizes colonialism. The post referenced the deadly smallpox spread among indigenous communities.

The use of “folx” in the post aimed to include LGBTQ+ and marginalized groups. Hong’s campaign clarified to Fox News Digital that she does not intend to cancel Thanksgiving.

Reaction from Conservatives

Conservative voices criticized Hong’s explanation. A notable reaction came from Libs of TikTok, referencing her response as “word salad.” Earlier social media posts have also contributed to her polarized image.

Despite the backlash, Hong leads in the Democratic primary race. Her support extends to national progressives like Hasan Piker and representatives Ilhan Omar and Ro Khanna.