President Trump on Tuesday continued the White House Thanksgiving tradition by granting turkeys “Gobble” and “Waddle” a full and unconditional pardon. First Lady Melania Trump joined the President during the ceremony, which took place ahead of Trump’s departure to Mar-a-Lago for the holiday.
Eko Hot News reports that Waddle and Gobble were hosted at Washington D.C.’s Willard Hotel prior to the event, with Waddle even visiting the White House briefing room. Members of Trump’s Cabinet and White House staff gathered in the recently renovated Rose Garden for the ceremony, which included light-hearted remarks from Trump about previous presidential pardons, including those by former President Joe Biden. Vice President JD Vance, his wife Usha Vance, and their daughter Mirabel also paid a visit to Gobble after the pardon.
The turkeys were raised by Travis Pittman of Wayne County, North Carolina, who described the experience as “a dream come true.” Pittman, who normally raises thousands of turkeys for Butterball, said Gobble and Waddle were “more comfortable” and stood out for their temperament. He credited his young son, Carter, for helping care for the birds, noting that the farm is a family commitment and emphasises teamwork and dedication. Pittman also highlighted the hard work of farmers, reminding the public of the effort that goes into food production, especially during the Thanksgiving season.
The event marked one of Trump’s final official activities at the White House this year, blending ceremonial tradition with moments of humour and family recognition. Gobble and Waddle are expected to live out their days in safety and comfort following the pardon, continuing the annual tradition that celebrates Thanksgiving and honours the nation’s agricultural community.
This year’s ceremony underscored not only the holiday spirit but also the importance of family, farming, and community effort, reflecting the broader cultural values celebrated during Thanksgiving in the United States.
