In a lighthearted pre-Thanksgiving ceremony, US President Donald Trump exercised his executive power to grant clemency to two massive white-feathered turkeys named Gobble and Waddle on Tuesday. This annual event represents one of the White House's most cheerful holiday traditions, blending political theatre with seasonal celebration.
The Presidential Turkey Pardon Ceremony
The two fortunate birds, each weighing over 50 pounds (23 kg), were specially raised on a farm in North Carolina. Before their Rose Garden appearance, the turkeys enjoyed luxury accommodation at the upscale Willard InterContinental Hotel. Despite the festive atmosphere, President Trump used the platform to deliver multiple political jabs while adding to the more than 1,600 pardons he has issued during his current term.
Trump displayed his characteristic humor during the ceremony, revealing that he initially considered renaming the turkeys Chuck and Nancy—a clear reference to Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. "But then I realized I wouldn't be pardoning them," he quipped, adding pointedly, "I would never pardon those two people."
Historical Roots and Political Undertones
The formal turkey pardon tradition dates back to 1989 when President George H.W. Bush established the Thanksgiving ritual. However, historical anecdotes suggest the earliest presidential reprieve occurred in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln reportedly spared a turkey after his young son developed an attachment to the bird.
President Trump didn't miss the opportunity to take a swipe at his predecessor, claiming without evidence that former President Joe Biden's pardons for turkeys Peach and Blossom were invalid because Biden allegedly "used an automated signing device." Trump accordingly declared he was "re-pardoning" both birds from the previous administration.
Mystery of the Missing Turkey
Social media users noticed something unusual during the live ceremony—only Gobble appeared in the Rose Garden, sparking speculation about Waddle's whereabouts. President Trump acknowledged the absence, telling the crowd: "Waddle, by the way, is missing in action… We'll pretend Waddle is here."
Leslee Oden, President of the National Turkey Federation, clarified to BBC that both birds received official pardons despite Waddle's absence. "Both receive the pardon, Gobble will be the national Thanksgiving turkey, he [Waddle] is the alternate and willing to step in," Oden explained earlier in the day.
Retirement Plans for the Presidential Turkeys
Following established tradition, both Gobble and Waddle will retire to North Carolina State University's agriculture college. The National Turkey Federation confirmed that the pardoned birds would "live out their days" under expert care at the institution, ensuring their safety and long-term wellbeing.
This year's ceremony maintained the unique blend of political commentary and holiday spirit that has characterized the Trump administration's approach to the traditional turkey pardon, while ensuring the birds' peaceful retirement after their moment in the national spotlight.
