Trump’s Thanksgiving Turkey Pardon Takes Political Turn as Waddle Goes Missing

President Donald Trump continued a White House tradition by pardoning two turkeys for Thanksgiving. The ceremony for birds named Gobble and Waddle took place in the Rose Garden. It was marked by political humor and an unexpected no-show.The event is a long-standing ritual officially started by President George H.W. Bush. This year, it served as a platform for the President’s commentary.

Pardon Ceremony Becomes Political Stage

President Trump infused the lighthearted event with pointed remarks. He joked about renaming the turkeys after Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. He then clarified he would never pardon those two individuals.According to a BBC report, the President also targeted his predecessor. He claimed Joe Biden‘s previous turkey pardons were illegitimate. Trump stated he was therefore “re-pardoning” those birds as well. These comments added a sharp political edge to the annual celebration.

Addressing the Mystery of the Missing Turkey

A curious moment arose when only one turkey, Gobble, was visibly present. President Trump acknowledged Waddle’s absence to the crowd. He stated the bird was “missing in action” but that they would proceed as if it were there.This sparked immediate concern and speculation among viewers on social media. However, officials from the National Turkey Federation provided reassurance. They confirmed to the BBC that both turkeys were officially pardoned and perfectly safe.Waddle was simply serving as the designated alternate. Both 50-pound birds, raised in North Carolina, will now retire to North Carolina State University. They will live out their lives under expert care at the university’s agricultural college.

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The annual presidential turkey pardon upheld tradition while highlighting the nation’s political divisions, proving that even a ceremonial event can become a platform for broader commentary.

Thought you’d like to know-

What happened to the turkey named Waddle?

Waddle was safe and simply acting as the alternate turkey. Officials confirmed he received a full pardon alongside Gobble. His absence from the main ceremony was part of the event’s planning.

Where do the pardoned turkeys go?

Gobble and Waddle will be relocated to North Carolina State University. They will reside at the school’s agricultural college for the rest of their natural lives.

How long has this Thanksgiving tradition existed?

The official White House turkey pardon tradition began in 1989 with President George H.W. Bush. The ceremony has been a recurring event for decades, with each president adding their own flair.

What was the political context of Trump’s comments?

President Trump used the event to joke about Democratic leaders he has frequently criticized. He also made unsubstantiated claims about the legitimacy of pardons granted by former President Joe Biden.

Who provides the turkeys for the ceremony?

The National Turkey Federation supplies the birds for the presidential pardon. The organization also confirms the turkeys’ post-pardon care and living arrangements