Trump’s Turkey Pardon: A Blend of Holiday Tradition and Political Humor
President Donald Trump injected his trademark humor and personal commentary into the annual White House Turkey Pardon ceremony on Tuesday, blending holiday tradition with political banter. The event, held in the White House Rose Garden and attended by Trump family members, administration officials, and invited guests, centered around the pardoning of two unusually large turkeys named Gobble and Waddle. In a moment of self-deprecating humor, Trump remarked on his own weight, saying, “I’d like to lose a few pounds too, by the way, and I’m not going to lose it on Thanksgiving. I can tell you that, because I’m going to have a turkey, but it’s not going to be that one.” This candid comment came after he decided against making a joke about Illinois Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker’s weight, stating that he “doesn’t talk about people being fat” while ironically referring to Pritzker as “a fat slob” in the same breath.
The turkeys presented at this year’s ceremony were particularly noteworthy for their size, with Trump highlighting that they were “two of the largest turkeys ever presented to an American president, over 50 pounds each.” He playfully questioned whether such large birds would be as tasty as normal-sized ones, asking, “Are they as good as the normal-sized turkey—better, or as good? Do they tend to be a little fatty? Maybe?” Trump also introduced a new designation for the birds, announcing that Secretary Kennedy had “formally certified that these are the first ever ‘Maha’ turkeys,” though he humorously admitted confusion about what the term meant, suggesting it might refer to their substantial size. He detailed their preparation for the ceremony, saying they had been “fattened on a steady diet of grass, beef, to allow the smoothies and all of the other things that they’ve been eating for this occasion,” emphasizing the special effort made to present record-setting birds.
The president’s remarks ventured beyond holiday pleasantries into political territory when he joked that he had considered naming the turkeys “Chuck and Nancy,” referencing Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, adding that if that were the case, “they wouldn’t be pardoned.” He also took a swipe at his predecessor, claiming that former President Joe Biden’s turkey pardons were invalid because he had used an autopen rather than personally signing the documents. These comments reflected Trump’s tendency to blend ceremonial occasions with political messaging and personal grievances, a characteristic feature of his public appearances throughout his political career. The event also briefly touched on more serious matters, with Trump mentioning ICE enforcement, crime in American cities, and his ongoing disagreements with Chicago’s leadership.
The Turkey Pardon ceremony itself is a uniquely American tradition with roots dating back to 1947, when the National Turkey Federation first presented a bird to President Harry Truman. However, the formal practice of “pardoning” the turkey only became established during George H.W. Bush’s presidency in 1989. Since then, it has evolved into an annual White House event combining agricultural celebration with presidential humor. The ceremony serves as a light-hearted pause in the political calendar, allowing presidents to display a more relaxed and jovial side while engaging in self-deprecating humor and seasonal goodwill. For many Americans, the turkey pardon has become as much a part of the Thanksgiving tradition as the dinner itself, symbolizing mercy and celebration at the start of the holiday season.
Throughout his political career, Trump’s health and weight have been subjects of public interest and occasional scrutiny. While official White House physicals during his presidency generally reported him to be in good health, Trump himself has frequently commented on his physical condition, sometimes humorously and other times defensively. This year’s turkey pardon continued that pattern, with Trump drawing parallels between the turkeys’ substantial size and his own weight management challenges. Such personal remarks, delivered with Trump’s characteristic bluntness and humor, typically resonate with his supporters who appreciate his authenticity and willingness to speak candidly on matters that other politicians might avoid. The comment about skipping weight loss efforts during Thanksgiving struck a chord with many Americans who similarly set aside dietary concerns during the holiday season.
After the ceremony concludes, the pardoned turkeys typically move on to educational institutions or farms where they serve as “ambassadors” for the poultry industry. Far from being mere props in a political ceremony, these birds often enjoy celebrity status, with some facilities creating special enclosures where visitors can observe the presidential birds. This afterlife for the pardoned turkeys extends the tradition beyond the White House lawn and into communities across America, reinforcing the connection between agricultural heritage and presidential tradition. As Trump prepared to celebrate what may be his final Thanksgiving before potentially returning to the White House, the ceremony offered a moment of levity amid the serious business of government, reminding Americans that even in politically charged times, some traditions transcend partisan divisions and speak to shared cultural experiences that unite the country.
