Politics

President Pardons Thanksgiving Turkeys Gobble and Waddle

Illustration for: President Pardons Thanksgiving Turkeys Gobble and Waddle
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Nov 25, 2025

THE BARE STORY

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Tuesday pardoned two turkeys, named Gobble and Waddle, in an annual White House ceremony ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The event, along with the arrival of the official White House Christmas tree, traditionally marks the beginning of the holiday season in the nation's capital.

The turkeys were raised on a farm in North Carolina. A spokeswoman for the National Turkey Federation announced that following the pardon, both Gobble and Waddle will be moved to North Carolina State University to serve as ambassadors for the turkey industry. According to the White House press secretary, one of the turkeys was brought into the briefing room before the event. A federation representative stated that Waddle weighs over 50 pounds. The names were reportedly selected through a social media poll held by First Lady Melania Trump.

The modern ceremony is part of a Thanksgiving tradition with historical roots. President Abraham Lincoln first established Thanksgiving as a national holiday in 1863. According to the White House Historical Association, Lincoln is believed to have granted the first informal turkey pardon that same year for his son's Christmas turkey. The formal pardon ceremony as an annual event was established by President George H.W. Bush in 1989.

Following the White House events, President Trump is scheduled to travel to his Mar-a-Lago property for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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• The event is conducted in coordination with the turkey industry. The article highlights the role of the National Turkey Federation in the ceremony. A spokeswoman and a representative from the federation are mentioned, with the representative providing details about one of the turkey's weight, indicating a close partnership with the industry group.

• The pardoned turkeys serve an ongoing promotional purpose. Following the pardon, the turkeys are not simply retired. A spokeswoman for the National Turkey Federation announced that Gobble and Waddle will be moved to North Carolina State University to serve as "ambassadors for the turkey industry."

• The ceremony includes managed media elements. The event is structured for public and press consumption. The White House press secretary stated that one of the turkeys was brought into the briefing room before the ceremony, and the President's holiday travel plans were scheduled to follow the events.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• Based on the provided information, this symbolic event is not expected to have a significant practical impact on the daily lives or finances of the general public.

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