President Trump Pardons Gobble and Waddle, Sending Them to a Plush Retirement at NC State

Washington, D.C. — The White House lawn turned festive this afternoon as President Donald Trump carried out one of America’s most beloved Thanksgiving traditions: the annual presidential turkey pardon. Standing beside First Lady Melania Trump, elegant in a chic brown ensemble, the President formally spared two turkeys — Gobble and Waddle — from becoming the centerpiece of any Thanksgiving dinner table.

In a ceremony marked with light jokes, applause, and cameras flashing from every angle, Trump praised the birds for their “tremendous courage” before issuing the pardon that would send them to the esteemed care of North Carolina State University. There, the feathered duo will enjoy an unusually luxurious retirement, complete with open green spaces, attentive handlers, and a campus full of admirers eager to meet the iconic Thanksgiving guests.

The tradition, which began informally decades ago and was later formalized by President George H.W. Bush, continues to serve as a warm, cheerful counterpoint to the weightier issues dominating national politics. Melania’s poised presence and the crowd’s enthusiastic reaction added to the ceremony’s charm, embodying a moment of unity during the holiday season.

As Gobble and Waddle were whisked away to begin their new lives in comfort, the event offered a moment of levity—and a reminder that even in tense political climates, some traditions remain timeless.