President Donald Trump is set to pardon two turkeys named Waddle and Gobble during Thanksgiving week, continuing a long-standing White House tradition that has been a part of the holiday celebrations for decades. The turkeys were introduced to reporters in the White House briefing room ahead of their scheduled pardon on Tuesday, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt leading the introduction. A representative from the National Turkey Federation (NTF) confirmed that Waddle, a larger turkey weighing over 50 pounds, has been the focus of attention from journalists who asked him pointed questions.
Reporters peppered Waddle with a range of questions during the briefing, including inquiring about his opinion on the current peace negotiations in Ukraine and what crime he had committed to require a presidential pardon. While the turkeys are not typically involved in any actual legal matters, the tradition has become a lighthearted way for the President to showcase the nation’s agricultural and festive spirit. After being pardoned, Waddle and Gobble will be sent to North Carolina State University where they will serve as ‘Turkey ambassadors for our industry,’ according to the NTF spokeswoman. This marks yet another tradition being upheld at the White House, where the pardoned turkeys often go on to have public lives, sometimes even appearing at events or being featured in media.
The President’s Thanksgiving week schedule also includes the arrival of the official White House Christmas tree, which will be presented by the Korson family from Michigan. The Fraser fir tree, set to stand in the White House’s Blue Room, was selected after the Korsons won the National Christmas Tree Association’s National Tree Contest in July. The tree will be accompanied by a smaller tree for the Oval Office. The arrival of the tree is part of a long-standing White House tradition meant to mark the start of the holiday season. Meanwhile, the President’s wife, Melania Trump, played a role in the selection of this year’s turkeys by holding a poll on X (formerly Twitter) to name the two chosen ones.
Last year’s pardoned turkeys, ‘Peach’ and ‘Blossom,’ were also from Minnesota, and the tradition of selecting turkeys from certain regions has continued. This year’s turkeys have come from a range of states, including North Carolina, Indiana, Iowa, South Dakota, Ohio, California, Virginia, and Missouri, which is a notable shift from previous years. The event has drawn a mix of public and media interest, with the turkeys becoming a subject of debate and humor, especially since they are often subjected to mock-serious questions by reporters during their official introduction. However, for many people, the pardoning of turkeys is a way to mark the start of the holiday season and to celebrate the cultural and agricultural heritage of the United States.
As part of the broader Thanksgiving celebrations, millions of Americans are already preparing for the holiday, with air travel at major U.S. airports experiencing a surge. This year’s tree, coming from Korson’s Tree Farms in Sidney Township, Michigan, has been recognized as a festive and symbolic centerpiece for the White House. These events reflect the blend of tradition and culture that the White House often emphasizes during the holiday season, with the turkeys and trees serving as important symbols of this annual commemoration.