Trump: I'm thankful I've made 'a tremendous difference in this country'

Joel Shannon | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Trump calls troops on Thanksgiving, talks politics President Donald Trump's call to U.S. troops overseas turned political when he started talking to a U.S. general in Afghanistan about the migrant caravan in Mexico, security on the U.S. southern border and legal setbacks in federal court. (Nov. 22)

When asked on Thanksgiving what he was thankful for, President Donald Trump said he was thankful for his family before talking at length about the positive impact he believes his presidency has made on the country.

"What are you most thankful for, Mr. President?," a member of the media asked as Trump took questions from reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where he's spending Thanksgiving with his family.

"For having a great family, and for having made a tremendous difference in this country. I've made a tremendous difference in the country," the president responded, as documented in a video published by The Hill on Twitter.

Trump continued, "This country is so much stronger now than it was when I took office that you wouldn't believe it." He claimed that foreign leaders regularly compliment him on the country's increased strength.

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"Made a lot of progress," he commented before ending the conference.

President Trump reveals what he's thankful for this #Thanksgiving: "For having a great family, and for having made a tremendous difference in this country. I've made a tremendous difference in the country." https://t.co/RM5VrVvlY7 pic.twitter.com/w6Gl8ssxGs — The Hill (@thehill) November 22, 2018

Some pundits on social media have suggested Trump's comments were more about himself than the country.

"President Trump says he is most thankful for himself," Washington Post columnist Brian Klaas tweeted in reference to Trump's answer.

The president's comments followed an exchange earlier this week during which Trump said he believed he would again be named Time magazine's person of the year.

"I can't imagine anybody else other than Trump. Can you imagine anybody other than Trump?" he said. The magazine named Trump person of the year in 2016.

The president has a long history of self-promotion. As a real estate mogul, Trump was known for putting his name in large letters on his projects. And, as president, he has consistently given his administration an "A" or "A+" — although many experts don't agree with such a grade.

Contributing: William Cummings, USA TODAY