Trump Transforms Traditional Turkey Pardoning Into Political Platform: Saves 'Waddle' and 'Gobble' From Thanksgiving Table

Gobble made an appearance at the White House for the traditional ceremony.

United States:

Donald Trump transformed Washington's most lighthearted tradition into a politically charged event on Tuesday, using the annual White House Thanksgiving turkey pardoning ceremony as an opportunity for political commentary while officially sparing two turkeys from becoming holiday meals.

The presidential tradition of pardoning turkeys has historical roots dating back to Abraham Lincoln, though it only became an annual White House custom when President John F. Kennedy formalized it in 1963.

This year's honored birds—Waddle and Gobble from North Carolina—were intended to be the centerpiece of a festive, non-partisan celebration.

A time-honored American tradition: pardoning America's LUCKIEST birds. These turkeys have officially been saved from the Thanksgiving table. 🦃🔥

However, the normally cheerful event quickly veered off-script as Trump used the platform to criticize Democrats, express concerns about crime rates, and revive claims regarding Joe Biden's previous pardoning process.

While Waddle was mysteriously absent from the ceremony, Gobble was present and seemed fortunate not to be among the targets of Trump's pointed remarks.

The 2025 White House Turkey Pardoning Ceremony - November 25, 2025

During his address, the president focused significant attention on Chicago, reiterating his assertion that he could address crime issues in America's third-largest city if Illinois Governor JB Pritzker—whom he disparagingly referred to as a "fat slob"—would allow federal intervention.

Trump then claimed that a "very rigorous investigation" had revealed that last year's turkey pardon wasn't personally signed by then-President Biden but instead completed using an autopen, suggesting this rendered the previous pardon invalid.

Even the turkeys became entangled in political commentary. Trump briefly considered naming them after Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi before remarking, "I realized I wouldn't be pardoning them. I would never pardon those two people."

Shifting to economic matters, the president presented selected statistics, stating: "Egg prices are down 86 percent since March," and claiming that "gasoline will soon be hovering around $2 a gallon." He also asserted he had implemented the largest tax cuts in American history.

While egg prices have indeed decreased from their peak levels, overall grocery costs continue to rise. According to the automotive services group AAA, the national average for gasoline currently stands at $3.10—slightly higher than the previous year.

Additionally, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—which extends provisions of Trump's 2017 tax law—ranks approximately as the sixth-largest tax cut ever, not the largest as claimed.

Throughout the proceedings, Gobble maintained remarkable composure despite finding himself at what essentially functioned as a campaign event.

The pardoned turkeys, selected by North Carolina students through an online voting process, will now return to their home state to enjoy retirement following their White House appearance.