Trump Restores Tradition and Humor in Thanksgiving Ceremony
President Donald Trump brought energy, humor, and a sense of restored tradition to the White House on Tuesday as he carried out the official Thanksgiving turkey pardons — and took a lighthearted swipe at Joe Biden’s performance last year.
In front of a cheerful holiday crowd, Trump announced the pardons for two heavyweight turkeys, “Gobble” and “Waddle.” Before completing the ceremony, Trump joked that Biden’s 2024 turkey pardons were “null and void” because Biden relied on an autopen instead of doing the job himself. The audience erupted in laughter.
Trump: Biden’s Pardons Were ‘Null and Void’
Trump explained that after what he jokingly described as a “thorough investigation” involving Pam Bondi, the Department of Justice, the FBI, the CIA, and the White House Counsel’s Office, he discovered that last year’s pardons were invalid.
“Null and void,” Trump announced, adding that Peach and Blossom — the turkeys pardoned under Biden — had been tracked down at the last moment. “They were on their way to be processed, in other words, to be killed. We stopped that journey. I am officially pardoning them today. We saved them in the nick of time.”
The crowd applauded as Trump emphasized that true presidential leadership means showing up, doing the job, and taking responsibility.
Record-Breaking Turkeys Under Trump
This year’s turkeys, Waddle and Gobble, set a new record. Both birds weigh more than 50 pounds, making them the largest turkeys ever to receive a presidential pardon. Their size, Trump joked, reflects “a great year for American farmers and a strong American heartland.”
Where the Pardoned Turkeys Will Go Next
According to the National Turkey Federation, Waddle and Gobble will head to North Carolina State University, where they will serve as “Turkey ambassadors” for America’s thriving poultry industry.
This partnership highlights the importance of American agriculture — a key issue for many families, farmers, and small businesses across the heartland.
First Lady Melania Trump even held a public poll on X to choose the names, with Waddle and Gobble winning decisively.
A Tradition That Stretches Across America
Last year’s rescued turkeys — Peach and Blossom — came from Minnesota, as did previous White House turkeys “Liberty” and “Bell.” Participation in the annual event has included farms from states such as:
- North Carolina
- Indiana
- Iowa
- South Dakota
- Ohio
- California
- Virginia
- Missouri
It’s a reminder of how Thanksgiving traditions bring together communities from every corner of the country.
A Lighthearted Moment During Serious Times
This year’s ceremony brought many Americans a much-needed moment of humor and unity. At a time when families are dealing with rising costs, global instability, and questions about national leadership, Trump’s Thanksgiving event delivered something refreshingly simple: a laugh, a smile, and a sense of normalcy.
And with Trump personally stepping in to “void” Biden’s autopen pardons, many Americans saw a symbolic reminder of accountability, engagement, and the return of a president who is present — not absent — in moments big and small.
