In a ceremony that blended tradition with political theater, President Donald Trump presided over the annual White House turkey pardon, turning what is typically a lighthearted event into a platform for political commentary and humorous jabs at his opponents.
Political Undertones in Traditional Ceremony
The event, held on November 26, 2025, saw President Trump not only granting pardons to this year's turkeys named Gobble and Waddle but also making the unusual move of re-pardoning last year's Biden turkeys, Peach and Blossom. This gesture came with pointed remarks about his political rivals and their approaches to the same tradition.
Trump didn't hold back in his criticism of President Biden's handling of last year's ceremony, specifically mocking his use of an autopen for the pardons. The current president suggested this automated approach lacked the personal touch and ceremonial significance that the tradition deserves.
Humorous Naming Controversy and Political Digs
In one of the ceremony's most memorable moments, Trump revealed he had considered naming this year's turkeys after prominent Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. The suggestion, delivered with his characteristic humor, drew laughter from attendees while making a clear political statement.
The political commentary extended beyond national figures to include Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who also found himself on the receiving end of Trump's playful digs. The ceremony maintained its festive atmosphere despite the political undertones, with First Lady Melania Trump in attendance, adding to the event's traditional feel.
Blending Tradition with Political Messaging
The annual turkey pardon ceremony, a long-standing White House tradition ahead of Thanksgiving, typically focuses on presidential clemency for birds that would otherwise become holiday meals. However, under Trump's leadership, the event has evolved into something more—a platform that combines holiday spirit with political messaging.
This year's ceremony featured the typical Trump humor that has characterized his public appearances, blending self-deprecating jokes with pointed political commentary. The event demonstrated how even the most apolitical of traditions can become vehicles for political expression in today's charged atmosphere.
While the turkeys received their official pardons and will live out their days in peace, the ceremony served as another example of Trump's unique approach to presidential traditions—one that consistently merges ceremony with commentary, and tradition with political theater.
