Trump gives thanks to... himself

Donald Trump used a Thanksgiving Day call to troops deployed overseas to pat himself on the back as well as air grievances about the courts, trade and migrants heading to the US-Mexico border.

The president’s call, made from his opulent private Mara-Lago club in Florida, struck an unusually political tone as he spoke with members of the military to wish them happy holidays, but he also took time to say what a “tremendous difference” he had made to the US. The call was a uniquely Trump blend of boasting, peppered questions and offthe-cuff observations as his comments veered from venting about slights to praising troops – “You really are our heroes” – as club waiters worked to set Thanksgiving dinner tables on the outdoor terrace behind him.

Throughout, Mr Trump was sure to congratulate himself, telling the officers that the country is doing exceptionally well on his watch.

“I hope you’ll take solace in knowing that all of the American families you hold so close to your heart are all doing well,” he said. “The nation’s doing well economically, better than anybody in the world.” He later told reporters: “Nobody’s done more for the military than me.”

President Trump talks with troops via phone from his Mar-a-Lago estate on Thanksgiving Day on Thursday