President Donald Trump is set to pardon turkeys “Waddle” and “Gobble” at the White House during Thanksgiving week, continuing a longstanding tradition of the presidential turkey pardon. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt introduced “Waddle” to reporters in the briefing room on Monday, as the nation prepares for the Thanksgiving holiday. The turkey, which weighs over 50 pounds, was accompanied by a representative of the National Turkey Federation (NTF), who confirmed to reporters that the bird has become a prominent figure in the media spotlight.
Reporters questioned Waddle about his views on the peace negotiations in Ukraine, his opinion on the state of the economy, and what crime he had committed to warrant a pardon. The turkeys, which were selected through a poll led by First Lady Melania Trump on social media, have been named after humorous, slang terms that reflect their personalities.
The National Turkey Federation has confirmed that after their pardon, Waddle and Gobble will be sent to North Carolina State University, where they will serve as ambassadors for the turkey industry. This tradition of sending pardoned turkeys to educational institutions dates back to the 1970s, when the first pardoned turkey was given to the University of Maryland.
In addition to the turkey pardon, the White House is also commemorating the start of the holiday season with the arrival of the official White House Christmas tree. This year’s tree, a Fraser fir, will be transported from Korson’s Tree Farms in Sidney Township, Michigan. The farm, owned by Rex and Jessica Korson, won the National Christmas Tree Association’s National Tree Contest in July, securing their place in the presidential tradition.
The White House Christmas tree has been a part of the holiday celebrations since 1933, but the tradition of the turkey pardon is much older. President Theodore Roosevelt first initiated the practice in 1927, and since then, it has become a highlight of the Thanksgiving season. This year’s event brings together both the history of American traditions and the current political climate, as Trump’s administration continues to shape the public narrative around the holidays.
As the nation prepares for Thanksgiving, the pardon of Waddle and Gobble is not only a ceremonial event but also a reflection of the cultural significance of the holiday. The turkeys’ selection through a public poll highlights the role of social media in shaping national traditions and the growing influence of online engagement in political processes.