President Donald Trump made a lighthearted joke about former President Joe Biden’s Turkey pardons from last year, calling them ‘null and void’ because they were executed using an autopen. During the annual White House tradition, Trump pardoned two turkeys, ‘Gobble’ and ‘Waddle,’ which he claimed are the largest to ever receive such a gesture. He expressed his intention to save the turkeys from being processed after determining the 2023 pardons were invalid, a decision he said was based on a thorough investigation by legal authorities. The ceremony highlighted the longstanding tradition and brought laughter from the audience as Trump joked about the situation.
The event also showcased the participation of turkeys from various states, including Minnesota, North Carolina, Indiana, Iowa, South Dakota, Ohio, California, Virginia, and Missouri, all sending representatives to the White House. The National Turkey Federation, represented by a spokeswoman, revealed that the pardoned turkeys would serve as ‘Turkey ambassadors’ for the industry in North Carolina State University. Trump’s first lady, Melania Trump, played a role in the selection of the turkeys by holding a poll on X, which resulted in the names ‘Waddle’ and ‘Gobble.’ Although the pardons are a ceremonial tradition, they symbolize the importance of agriculture and the connection between the White House and American farming communities.