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6d ago

Trump Pardons Gobble and Waddle, Turning Turkey Tradition Into Political Riff

The birds will live at NC State University's poultry program, with their names chosen in a poll run by the first lady's office.

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U.S. President Donald Trump looks at Gobble one of two turkeys to ceremonially pardoned for Thanksgiving in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 25, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
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Overview

  • At the Nov. 25 Rose Garden ceremony, Gobble received the onstage pardon while alternate Waddle was pardoned as well but did not appear on stage.
  • Trump mixed jokes with partisan jabs, including saying he would never pardon Democrats Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi and insulting Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.
  • He asserted he was re‑pardoning 2024 turkeys Peach and Blossom by claiming Joe Biden used an autopen last year, a contention reported as without evidence.
  • Gobble and Waddle were raised in North Carolina, weigh about 52 and 50 pounds, and stayed at the Willard InterContinental as part of the event's VIP treatment.
  • After the ceremony, both birds are to be housed and cared for by NC State’s Prestage Department of Poultry Science, according to official statements.