WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday participated in the White House’s annual Thanksgiving turkey pardoning ceremony, announcing that two birds—named Gobble and Waddle—were selected for this year’s tradition.
The event took place in the Rose Garden, where the President noted the holiday’s approach and introduced the turkeys, calling them “two very lucky” birds. Gobble and Waddle were raised in Virginia and brought to Washington for the ceremony, continuing a long-running presidential custom.
The turkey pardon became a formalized White House event in the mid-20th century after earlier presidents occasionally spared turkeys presented to them for Thanksgiving. The ceremony has since become a regular feature ahead of the holiday, with each administration adding ceremonial details over the years.
Following the pardon, the two turkeys will be transported to a farm in Virginia. White House officials said the birds will reside there after their appearance in the Rose Garden.