President Donald Trump Jokes Biden’s Turkey Pardons ‘Invalid’ Due to Autopen Use
President Donald Trump jokingly claimed that former President Joe Biden’s turkey pardons from last year are ‘null and void’ because he used an autopen to issue them. During a White House Thanksgiving tradition, Trump pardoned turkeys named ‘Gobble’ and ‘Waddle,’ joking that he had ‘saved’ last year’s pardoned turkeys, ‘Peach’ and ‘Blossom,’ from being processed. He described his decision as the result of a ‘thorough and very rigorous investigation’ conducted by various federal agencies. The White House event, which has been a longstanding tradition, also featured a National Turkey Federation spokeswoman confirming that the pardoned turkeys will be sent to North Carolina State University as ‘Turkey ambassadors.’ Last year’s pardons, ‘Peach’ and ‘Blossom,’ were issued via autopen, prompting Trump’s recent comment.
During the event, Trump expressed his surprise at the use of an autopen for the pardons, suggesting it was ‘not the right way’ to handle the process. He claimed that the turkeys were on their way to be ‘processed’ when he intervened, ensuring they would not be ‘served for Thanksgiving dinner.’ The crowd at the White House laughed as Trump made the joke, highlighting the playful nature of the tradition. Trump’s comments, however, sparked some political discussion, with critics pointing out the humor was a subtle jab at Biden’s administration. The National Turkey Federation representative confirmed that the pardoned turkeys would be sent to North Carolina State University, where they would serve as ambassadors for the turkey industry, promoting the product and its economic impact.
This year’s pardoned turkeys, ‘Gobble’ and ‘Waddle,’ are the largest ever to meet the presidential pardon criteria, weighing over 50 pounds each. The selection of these turkeys followed a poll conducted by First Lady Melania Trump on social media, where the public voted to name the birds. The tradition of pardoning turkeys dates back to the early 19th century, and it has become a symbolic gesture associated with Thanksgiving. The practice has been used by both Republican and Democratic presidents, demonstrating its bipartisan nature, despite the humor and political undertones during this year’s event. The pardons, while whimsical, also serve as a reminder of the role of the presidency in shaping public perception and humor, with Trump’s comments adding a layer of political commentary to the long-standing tradition.