Trump Thanksgiving Turkey Pardon: Why Waddle and Gobble Became the 2025 Spotlight

President Donald Trump pardoned two turkeys, Waddle and Gobble, during the 2025 National Thanksgiving Turkey Ceremony held in the White House Rose Garden on November 25. The annual event drew significant public attention as images of the President, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance circulated widely.

The ceremony marked a continuation of one of America’s most recognizable holiday traditions. This year’s event gained added visibility due to the high-profile appearance of the Vance family and renewed public curiosity about the tradition’s purpose and symbolism.

Why Waddle and Gobble Became Central to the 2025 Ceremony

The National Thanksgiving Turkeys, Waddle and Gobble, were raised in North Carolina before traveling to Washington for the ceremony. According to coverage from trusted outlets such as Reuters, AP, and Bloomberg, both turkeys were selected for their calm temperament and suitability for public presentation.

Photos from the event showed Trump placing his hand over each bird as he delivered the traditional lighthearted remarks before granting the ceremonial pardon. Melania Trump stood beside him, observing closely as the moment unfolded. Bloomberg photos captured the First Lady smiling as Gobble settled calmly in front of the podium.

JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance attended with their daughter Mirabel, drawing notable attention from photographers. AFP images showed the Vice President holding Mirabel as the pardoned turkey stood nearby. Their appearance added a family-centered element to the ceremony, contributing to Waddle and Gobble becoming the symbolic faces of the Thanksgiving moment.

The ceremony also included several cabinet members and senior officials, such as Attorney General Pam Bondi, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other department heads. AP images showed the officials gathered in the Rose Garden as the turkeys were presented.

After the event, Waddle and Gobble were scheduled to be transported to a designated farm to live out their natural lifespan. This tradition mirrors past years in which pardoned turkeys are moved to educational farms or agricultural programs for long-term care.

National Reaction and the Tradition’s Continued Significance

The 2025 Trump Thanksgiving turkey pardon generated wide reaction across social platforms. Many users shared photos from Reuters, AP, Bloomberg, and AFP, noting the ceremony’s blend of light humor, holiday symbolism, and White House tradition.

Observers highlighted the continuity of an event that has been part of American culture for nearly eight decades. It remains a staple of presidential holiday activities, offering a moment of unity and national familiarity during a busy political season.

By drawing major media attention and public engagement, the 2025 ceremony underscored why the annual turkey pardon continues to hold such cultural weight. Waddle and Gobble became the center of this year’s spotlight because their presence symbolized the festive spirit and longstanding tradition of Thanksgiving at the White House.

The 2025 Waddle and Gobble pardon reaffirmed the importance of the Thanksgiving ceremony. It highlighted the symbolic role of the President’s participation while offering a familiar and lighthearted moment for Americans nationwide.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why does the President pardon a turkey?

The turkey pardon is a symbolic tradition marking the start of the Thanksgiving holiday. It reflects cultural celebration and annual White House customs.

Q2: Who were Waddle and Gobble?

They were the official 2025 National Thanksgiving Turkeys. Both were raised in North Carolina and transported to Washington for the ceremony.

Q3: Who attended the 2025 turkey pardon?

President Trump, Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Usha Vance, and their daughter Mirabel attended, along with several senior officials.

Q4: What happens to pardoned turkeys after the ceremony?

They are moved to a designated farm or agricultural program, where they live out their lives under monitored care.

Q5: Why did this year’s turkeys gain extra attention?

Their appearance coincided with widespread photo coverage, high-profile attendees, and strong public interest during the holiday season.