In Washington, the annual presidential pardoning of a Thanksgiving turkey—a tradition dating back to at least 1989—was marked by President Donald Trump’s signature blend of humor and political jabs. This year’s event, held in the White House Rose Garden, saw Trump pardon Gobble, a 23.5 kg bird from North Carolina, while delivering a speech peppered with jokes and critiques of political figures.
The ceremony began with Trump taking a familiar swipe at his predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump humorously claimed that Biden’s pardons for last year’s turkeys, Peach and Blossom, were invalid because he used an automatic pen. This jest alluded to Trump’s persistent focus on what he calls the “auto-pen scandal.” The president even suggested that the Department of Justice might nullify some of Biden’s pardons, a comment directed at Attorney-General Pam Bondi, who was present in the audience.
Political Jabs and Humor
Trump’s speech quickly turned to another frequent target: Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. Trump reiterated his proposal to send the National Guard to Chicago to address crime, despite Pritzker’s opposition, stating, “The people of Chicago want us to go there.” He added a controversial remark about Pritzker, describing him as “a big fat slob,” which elicited only tepid laughter from the audience.
Continuing his comedic routine, Trump mentioned a joke about Pritzker’s weight, which he claimed he would not tell. “Some speechwriter wrote some joke about his weight. But I would never want to talk about his weight,” Trump said, adding, “I’d like to lose a few pounds too, by the way.”
Cost of Living Concerns
Amidst the humor, Trump addressed the cost of living, listing items he claimed would be cheaper this Thanksgiving, including turkey, potatoes, ham, eggs, and gasoline. However, according to the Department of Agriculture, the wholesale price of turkey meat has actually increased from last year. Despite this, many supermarkets are offering significant discounts on turkeys to attract customers.
A Tradition with Historical Roots
The tradition of the presidential turkey pardon officially began in 1989 under George H.W. Bush, although earlier presidents, such as John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, also spared turkeys from becoming dinner. The custom of presenting a turkey to the White House dates back to 1947, during Harry Truman’s presidency, when the National Turkey Federation began the practice.
Interestingly, the first known presidential turkey pardon occurred during the Civil War era when Abraham Lincoln spared a turkey at Christmas, as it was his son’s pet. This historical context highlights the evolution of the turkey pardon from a personal family decision to a formal national tradition.
Implications and Future Outlook
Trump’s remarks at the turkey pardon ceremony reflect his ongoing engagement with political opponents and his use of humor to address serious topics. The event underscores the president’s ability to blend tradition with contemporary political discourse, a hallmark of his public appearances.
As the nation prepares for Thanksgiving, the focus on economic concerns and political tensions remains prominent. The turkey pardon, while lighthearted, serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between tradition and politics in the United States.
Looking ahead, the role of humor and political commentary in presidential traditions may continue to evolve, reflecting broader societal changes and the unique personalities of future leaders.
