President Donald Trump revived a familiar holiday spectacle on Tuesday as he hosted a Thanksgiving turkey-pardon ceremony at his residence in Florida. The event, attended by supporters and members of the National Turkey Federation, featured two turkeys-playfully named Waddle and Gobble-who received ceremonial pardons that spared them from becoming part of a holiday feast.
Standing beside the oversized birds, Trump leaned into the lighthearted spirit of the occasion, recalling past ceremonies held during his presidency. But the former president also used the moment to deliver pointed political critiques, turning the traditionally apolitical event into an opportunity to comment on national issues. He took aim at President Joe Biden’s approach to foreign policy, referencing recent debates surrounding U.S. assistance to Ukraine.
Despite the political detours, the ceremony ultimately centered on a longstanding American custom. The presidential turkey pardon-an informal tradition dating back decades-typically serves as a symbolic gesture during Thanksgiving week. Although no longer in office, Trump’s continuation of the event underscored his ongoing presence in public and political life, as well as his ability to draw attention even through lighthearted ceremonies.
Waddle and Gobble, now officially pardoned, will spend the rest of their lives on a farm rather than on a dinner table-a holiday ending far more fortunate than that of most birds. Their appearance offered a moment of levity during a busy news cycle, reminding audiences of a quirky but enduring element of America’s Thanksgiving celebrations.
