President Trump Pardons Thanksgiving Turkeys Gobble and Waddle in White House Tradition
WASHINGTON — In a mix of holiday cheer and presidential ritual, President Donald Trump granted clemency to two North Carolina turkeys named Gobble and Waddle during the White House’s annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon on Tuesday. The ceremony, held on the South Lawn under clear autumn skies, marked the 78th year of the tradition, a lighthearted moment that officially ushers in the nation’s Thanksgiving celebrations.
A White House Tradition Rooted in History
The presidential turkey pardon, a uniquely American event filled with humor, spectacle, and symbolism, dates back to the 1940s. Officially recognized during President Harry S. Truman’s administration, the ceremony evolved over decades from the simple presentation of a Thanksgiving turkey to a full-fledged pardon that spares the birds from the dinner table.
Though presidents have long received holiday turkeys, it wasn’t until the late 1980s that the event began to take its modern shape. President George H. W. Bush is widely credited with formalizing the pardon tradition in 1989, using the phrase “pardon” for the first time and signaling that the turkey would live out its life in peace instead of serving as the centerpiece of a holiday meal.
Since then, each president has added personal flair to the event, offering jokes, brief remarks, and sometimes references to the year’ss. The quirky ritual has become both a beloved family-friendly photo opportunity and a hallmark of Thanksgiving week in the capital.
Gobble and Waddle Take Center Stage
This year’s honorees, Gobble and Waddle, were raised in North Carolina and selected by the National Turkey Federation, which has organized the presentation each year since the 1940s. Weighing about 50 pounds each, the birds were chosen for their calm temperament and striking plumage — traits considered vital qualities for the spotlight of Washington.
Gobble, the more outgoing of the pair, strutted proudly onto the South Lawn to the delight of the assembled audience. Waddle, his quieter counterpart, remained behind the scenes but was included in the presidential pardon nonetheless. After the ceremony, both birds will retire to North Carolina State University, joining other pardoned turkeys who live under expert care and educational observation.
The birds will enjoy a secure home at the university’s poultry science facility, where they serve as living symbols of both the agricultural heritage of Thanksgiving and the lighter side of presidential duty.
Presidential Remarks: Faith, Family, and Economy
In his brief speech, President Trump reflected on the importance of faith, family, and national renewal during the holiday season. “We have more people praying,” he said. “The churches are coming back. Religion is coming back to America. To me, that’s a big deal.”
The president also used the occasion to highlight an improving economic outlook for American families ahead of the holidays. Noting a decline in turkey prices, he linked the shift to broader efforts aimed at reducing food costs across the country. “Turkey prices are down, and that’s because we’re making America affordable again,” he told the audience, drawing applause from guests and White House staff.
While the comment was delivered in a lighthearted tone, economists have noted that the price of turkey — a key indicator of seasonal inflation — has fluctuated in response to supply chain improvements and grain cost reductions. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, wholesale turkey prices saw an overall decline from the highs of recent years, offering some relief for consumers preparing traditional Thanksgiving feasts.
The Economics Behind the Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving is not just a cultural event but also a reflection of the state of the economy. The cost of the average Thanksgiving dinner has long been tracked as a national measure of food affordability. This year, analysts report that while certain sides like potatoes and cranberries rose slightly in cost due to weather-related crop challenges, turkey prices remained moderate thanks to stable production levels and improved feed supply.
The turkey market, a cornerstone of U.S. agriculture, generates more than $13 billion annually. States such as Minnesota, North Carolina, and Arkansas lead production, employing tens of thousands of workers and supporting regional economies. North Carolina, where Gobble and Waddle hail from, is the second-largest turkey-producing state in the country, contributing over 30 million birds to the national market each year.
A reduction in feed costs, driven by steady corn and soybean yields, played a major role in keeping turkey prices balanced. Additionally, investments in supply chain logistics following the disruptions of the early 2020s have helped stabilize markets and ensure timely delivery to grocery stores nationwide.
Regional and Historical Context
The turkey pardon is a distinctly American custom, but it also reflects broader traditions of agricultural celebration and harvest gratitude observed across the world. In Canada, a similar ceremony marks the end of harvest season in October, while European nations often hold fall festivals that celebrate livestock and farming bounty.
Within the United States, the White House ceremony echoes regional harvest traditions that date back centuries. In the Carolinas, for instance, farmers historically set aside their finest poultry as part of community feasts, a custom that symbolized prosperity and thanksgiving for a successful year. That same spirit continues through events like the National Turkey Federation’s selection process, which showcases the best of American poultry farming.
The annual White House pardon draws national attention not only for its whimsy but also for its connection to the agricultural backbone of the U.S. economy. Poultry remains a key export, with American turkey shipped to over 100 countries, generating substantial trade revenue. In recent years, producers in North Carolina and the Midwest have modernized facilities, adopting sustainable practices that reduce waste and improve animal welfare — themes increasingly reflected in public discussions about the future of food production.
A Lighthearted Pause in a Busy Year
The ceremony serves as a deliberate moment of levity amid the serious responsibilities of the presidency. Over the decades, it has provided a nonpartisan opportunity for warmth and humor, attracting both the media and American families seeking a sense of holiday normalcy.
The tradition also serves as a reminder of continuity through changing political eras. Whether under the Truman, Reagan, Clinton, Bush, or Obama administrations, the imagery of the president sparing a turkey offers reassurance that some customs — no matter the political climate — remain constants on the national calendar. The 2025 event maintained that continuity, even as Gobble and Waddle preened before the cameras, blissfully unaware of the symbolism they carried.
Public Reaction and the Holiday Spirit
Across social media and local communities, the turkey pardon sparked a wave of festive engagement. Footage of Gobble’s appearance quickly circulated online, accompanied by light-hearted captions and calls to “pardon all the turkeys.” The White House’s official Thanksgiving hashtags also trended briefly as users shared family traditions, gratitude messages, and recipes for the holiday weekend.
In Raleigh and nearby communities, where Gobble and Waddle will soon reside, local officials expressed pride in hosting this year’s famous birds. North Carolina State University researchers said the turkeys would not only be well cared for but would also play a small role in outreach programs teaching students and children about animal science and agriculture.
Looking Ahead
As the nation prepares to gather around dinner tables, the annual White House ceremony reminds Americans of the connection between national leadership, agriculture, and tradition. Though lighthearted in tone, the event reflects the country’s enduring gratitude toward its farmers and its ability to find joy even amid serious times.
With Gobble and Waddle heading into their well-deserved retirement, the spotlight on the nation’s poultry producers highlights both their resilience and their contribution to one of America’s most cherished holidays. The pardoned turkeys, now symbols of Thanksgiving grace, will spend their days in comfort and calm — living embodiments of a uniquely American blend of humor, history, and heart.
As night fell over Washington, the South Lawn slowly emptied, and preparations for the holiday dinner continued across the country. The laughter, applause, and ceremonial fanfare marked yet another chapter in a tradition that endures — a reminder that even amid the complexities of modern life, gratitude remains at the heart of the American story.