In a heartwarming display of presidential tradition, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump carried forward one of America’s most beloved White House customs on November 25, officially pardoning two turkeys named Gobble and Waddle in the Rose Garden ceremony.
The 78th annual National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation brought together the First Family for what has become a cherished ritual spanning decades of American presidencies. Standing before gathered guests and media, Trump delivered warm Thanksgiving wishes to the nation while ensuring the two feathered guests would live to see another day.
“On behalf of the First Lady and the entire Trump family, I want to wish all Americans a very, very happy Thanksgiving,” Trump declared during the ceremony. “It’s a great time of the year, and our country is doing very well.”
The presidential turkey pardon represents a fascinating blend of American history and modern tradition. While President Abraham Lincoln is credited with first sparing a turkey’s life in 1863, the formal Rose Garden ceremony as we know it today was established in 1989, creating nearly four decades of uninterrupted tradition.
This year’s ceremony showcased the continuity of American democratic traditions, with Gobble and Waddle joining the ranks of hundreds of turkeys that have received presidential clemency over the years. The event serves as a lighthearted moment during what is often an intense political season, bringing families together through their television screens to witness this uniquely American spectacle.
The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation has evolved into more than just a photo opportunity. It represents the intersection of American agricultural heritage, presidential accessibility, and the enduring power of traditions that transcend political divisions. Each year, turkeys are carefully selected and prepared for their moment in the national spotlight, complete with temporary lodging and a full security detail.
Following their presidential pardon, Gobble and Waddle will retire to live out their days in comfort, joining the exclusive club of turkeys who have received the ultimate Thanksgiving reprieve. The ceremony serves as an annual reminder of the lighter moments that punctuate the serious business of governance, offering Americans a moment of shared joy and gratitude during the holiday season.
As families across the nation prepare for their own Thanksgiving celebrations, the White House turkey pardon stands as a symbol of mercy, tradition, and the enduring spirit of American democracy that continues regardless of changing administrations or political seasons.
