President Trump Pardons Thanksgiving Turkeys, Criticizes Democrats and Biden's Past Pardons
President Donald Trump pardoned Thanksgiving turkeys Gobble and Waddle, criticizing Democrats and questioning President Biden's past pardons during the White House tradition.
Overview
- President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump participated in the 78th annual National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation at the White House.
- During the ceremony, President Trump officially pardoned two turkeys named Gobble and Waddle, whose names were chosen through a public poll.
- Trump used the occasion to criticize Democrats, joking about naming the turkeys after Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, but clarified he wouldn't pardon them if truly named so.
- He also questioned the validity of President Biden's previous turkey pardons, citing Biden's use of an autopen to sign the pardons.
- Following their official pardon, Gobble and Waddle are scheduled to live out their remaining days at North Carolina State University.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing President Trump's deviation from the traditional, light-hearted nature of the turkey pardon. They highlight his use of the ceremony for political jokes and policy discussions, often describing the event as resembling a "campaign rally" and blurring lines with "controversial policies," rather than solely focusing on the ceremonial aspects.
"Mr. Trump, with first lady Melania at his side, said he was granting the turkeys a "full and unconditional pardon.""
CBS News"President Donald Trump continued the beloved, if not eccentric, tradition of ceremonially pardoning two turkeys at the White House on Nov. 25, in a cheery event that brought dozens of reporters, staff and their families."
USA TODAY"Trump's Thanksgiving turkey pardoning ceremony was marked by humor and political jabs, reflecting a blend of tradition and his characteristic campaign-style rhetoric."
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FAQ
The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation began in 1947 when President Harry S. Truman received a live turkey from the National Turkey Federation, marking the start of an annual tradition that highlights agriculture and the holiday season.
The tradition of pardoning the Thanksgiving turkey became an annual White House event during President George H. W. Bush's administration in 1989, although there were occasional pardons before that.
After the pardon ceremony, the turkeys are typically sent to a university or farm where they live under the care of veterinarians and poultry science students; in recent years, some have gone to North Carolina State University.
President Trump questioned the validity of President Biden's previous turkey pardons because Biden used an autopen to sign the pardons, which Trump suggested was less authentic than a personal presidential act.
The names of the National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate are often selected from suggestions submitted by the public, with the White House making the final decision.
History
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