25 Nov 2025, 15:27
Trump pardons two turkeys on Thanksgiving
- Trump pardons two turkeys on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2025.
- One turkey receives a ceremonial pardon, but both will be saved.
- The tradition of pardoning turkeys dates back to 1947, with formalization in 1989.
President of the USA Donald Trump will conduct the pardoning of two turkeys in the White House on November 25, 2025, which will be part of the 78th annual ceremony in honor of Thanksgiving Day. The official event will take place during lunch at the White House.
This year, only one turkey—either Waddles or Gobble—will receive a ceremonial pardon, although both will be saved from being served at the table. First Lady Melania Trump invited Americans to predict which turkey will receive the pardon by sending an SMS with the text "Gobble" or "Waddles" to number 45470.
The turkeys, which weigh 52 and 50 pounds, respectively, were transported to Washington from North Carolina, where they were raised, preparing for the ceremony. After the holiday, they will return to the university of North Carolina, where they will live peacefully.
This tradition has deep roots, starting with President Harry Truman's administration in 1947, although the first formal pardoning occurred only in 1963, when John F. Kennedy pardoned a turkey. The tradition gained popularity in 1989, when George H. W. Bush officially pardoned a turkey on Thanksgiving Day.
Tags: USA/Politics