Gobble and Waddle: Trump Pardons Thanksgiving Turkeys, Criticizes Democratic Leadership During Ceremony

Former President Donald Trump pardoned Thanksgiving turkeys Gobble and Waddle in a humorous ceremony, mixing traditional holiday spirit with light political remarks about Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, and Chuck Schumer. Full analysis, background, and key highlights.

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USA News, Donald Trump, Thanksgiving 2025, White House Traditions, Political News

Trump Pardons Thanksgiving Turkeys Gobble and Waddle: A Mix of Tradition, Humor, and Political Commentary

The annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon is an American tradition known for its lighthearted nature, festive spirit, and occasional political color. This year, former President Donald Trump continued that tradition by pardoning two turkeys named Gobble and Waddle, bringing both laughter and controversy into the ceremony. The event combined holiday cheer with Trump’s signature humor, as he playfully joked about political rivals and commented on decisions made by the current administration.

In this article, we explore the full details of the ceremony, Trump’s remarks, historical context, and how the event fits into broader political discussions.

🦃 The Ceremony: A Classic American Tradition

The presidential turkey pardon has long been a symbolic gesture marking the start of the Thanksgiving season. The two chosen turkeys—Gobble and Waddle—were presented with much celebration, surrounded by fall decorations, cheerful music, and a festive audience.

Trump opened the ceremony with a warm Thanksgiving message, acknowledging the importance of family gatherings, gratitude, and American traditions. The atmosphere was light and celebratory, maintaining the long-standing spirit of the event.

😂 Trump’s Humor Steals the Spotlight

As expected, Trump added his own comedic flair to the ceremony. One of the highlights came when he jokingly remarked that he “almost named the turkeys Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer”, referring to the two Democratic leaders often at odds with him during his presidency. The audience reacted with laughter, and the comment immediately gained media attention.

Trump’s humor has always been a defining part of his public appearances, and this year’s turkey pardon proved no different. His remarks kept the crowd entertained while giving political journalists plenty to write about.

⚠️ Light Political Jab at President Biden

In another playful moment, Trump commented that last year’s turkey pardons were “invalid” because President Joe Biden allegedly used an autopen instead of personally signing the documents. He presented the statement jokingly, and it was widely interpreted as humorous rather than a serious claim.

This kind of remark fits Trump’s typical style: part humor, part political commentary. Even though the comment sparked online discussions, the ceremony maintained its light, family-friendly tone.

📝 Why This Event Matters Beyond the Humor

While the turkey pardon may seem like a simple holiday tradition, it often reflects broader political narratives. Every year, journalists and analysts pay close attention to the ceremony—not only because of the fun factor but also because presidents often use the platform to send subtle messages.

Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Symbolic Leadership Moment

The turkey pardon connects the president or political leader to American culture, offering a break from intense political battles.

2. Platform for Public Messaging

Humor mixed with light political commentary allows leaders to shape public perception in a less formal environment.

3. Media and Public Engagement

Events like this tend to go viral, drawing attention from news outlets, social platforms, and entertainment media.

🦃 About Gobble and Waddle: This Year’s Turkey Stars

Every year, the chosen turkeys are raised under careful supervision, pampered with a special diet, and transported with high priority to the ceremony. Gobble and Waddle quickly became crowd favorites due to their calm personalities and pristine appearance.

After the event, the pardoned turkeys are typically taken to a farm, sanctuary, or university agricultural program where they live out the remainder of their lives peacefully.

🇺🇸 Historical Background: The Turkey Pardon Tradition

The turkey pardon dates back more than a century, though it became official in recent decades. Here’s a quick timeline:

1860s: Abraham Lincoln is believed to have spared a turkey at his son’s request.

1947: The National Turkey Federation began presenting turkeys to U.S. presidents.

1989: President George H. W. Bush made the turkey pardon an official annual tradition.

Today: The tradition continues, often with humor, symbolism, and extensive media coverage.

For many Americans, it represents a fun and wholesome start to the Thanksgiving holiday, regardless of who occupies the White House.

🎯 Public Reaction and Media Coverage

Following Trump’s ceremony, reactions spread across social media platforms. Supporters praised his humor and energy, while critics debated the political jabs. Major news outlets reported on the event, highlighting the mixture of holiday celebration and political commentary.

Despite political differences, the turkey pardon attracted millions of views online, showing how enduring and popular this tradition remains.

🦃 A Lighthearted Moment Before the Holiday

Thanksgiving is a time for unity, reflection, and gratitude. Events like the turkey pardon bring moments of joy and entertainment at a time when politics is often divisive. Trump’s ceremony with Gobble and Waddle provided a perfect blend of humor, tradition, and national spirit.

Whether people focus on the jokes, the political comments, or simply the well-dressed turkeys, the event remains a cherished part of American culture.

Conclusion

The pardoning of Gobble and Waddle was more than just a holiday ritual—it was a moment filled with humor, tradition, and political flavor. Trump’s remarks, the festive setting, and the presence of the iconic turkeys created a memorable ceremony that captured national attention. As Thanksgiving approaches, the event reminds Americans of the importance of celebrating together, sharing laughter, and honoring long-standing traditions.