What is the Thanksgiving turkey pardon tradition?

The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation is one of the most lighthearted White House rituals, offering a festive break from the political season. Now in its 78th year, the tradition dates back to the Truman era and has evolved into a widely photographed event where the U.S. president ceremonially spares two turkeys from the holiday table.

Who are Gobble and Waddle?

This year’s turkeys, named Gobble and Waddle, were raised in North Carolina and selected for their docile temperament and camera-friendly personalities. They quickly became the most talked-about birds in the country after arriving in Washington for the ceremony.

While both turkeys were slated to attend the White House event, only Gobble made it to the South Lawn for the official pardon. Waddle, according to organizers, was unable to appear but had been part of the ceremonial preparations.

Ahead of the event, the pair enjoyed a night at the historic Willard InterContinental Hotel. Photos showed them perched in a lavish suite, complete with plush bedding and custom room service arrangements. These images have become a staple of modern turkey pardons, symbolizing the lighthearted, almost celebrity-like treatment the birds receive during their D.C. debut.

How did the 2025 turkey pardon unfold?

The ceremony occurred on Tuesday at noon, where President Donald Trump and the First Lady delivered the annual remarks before granting the pardons. Gobble stood beside the podium as Trump issued the proclamation sparing both birds from being served at anyone’s Thanksgiving dinner.

The event featured its usual mix of humor, White House tradition, and holiday messaging. Though a brief, less formal ceremony compared to major policy speeches, the turkey pardon generates consistent national attention each year due to its cultural appeal and media-friendly visuals.

Why did Waddle miss the ceremony?

The White House did not specify exactly why Waddle could not attend the live portion of the ceremony. In past years, turkeys have missed events due to mild stress or transport-related issues, making Waddle’s absence unsurprising. Turkeys are notoriously sensitive animals, and handlers typically prioritize their comfort and health during the trip.

Despite the absence, both Gobble and Waddle received full pardons.

What happens to the turkeys after the pardon?

Following long-standing tradition, Gobble and Waddle will return to their home state of North Carolina, where they will live out their lives at a local farm. The birds typically enjoy comfortable enclosures, veterinary supervision, and public attention for months after returning home.

Because presidentially pardoned turkeys are bred to be unusually large, their lifespans are shorter than wild turkeys. However, the farms that house them often emphasize enrichment and care that allow the birds to live as comfortably as possible.

What the public is saying

As with most White House traditions, public reaction was mixed, humorous, and political. Online comments ranged from playful jabs comparing the turkeys to political divs to jokes about the spectacle overshadowing more serious news.

The lighthearted banter underscores why the turkey pardon holds such broad cultural appeal. It offers a moment of levity in an otherwise contentious political climate, giving Americans something cheerful to talk about ahead of the holiday.

Why the turkey pardon continues to matter

Though symbolic, the Thanksgiving turkey pardon endures because it merges American humor, tradition, and national identity. It is one of the few presidential events that appeals across age groups and political lines, spotlighting a softer side of the White House.

It also provides an accessible entry point for families and children to engage with civic rituals. Over the decades, the ceremony has evolved into a piece of Americana, complete with quirky narratives, state pride in the selected birds and iconic photo moments.