WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump bestowed ceremonial pardons on two Thanksgiving turkeys at the traditional White House ritual.
Trump eventually got around to the business at hand, which was pardoning the turkeys Gobble and Waddle. Both were spared the dinner table, but only one got the spotlight.
“Gobble, I just want to tell you this — very important — you are hereby unconditionally pardoned,” Trump said. He reached over to run his hand over the feathers, saying, “Who would want to harm this beautiful bird?”
Waddle had previously been spotted in the White House briefing room.
"Waddle, want to give us a gobble?” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt asked.
The turkey obliged.
“Very on message!” Leavitt said.
The president plans to fly south to his private Florida resort, a holiday interlude during what has been a turbulent and uncertain chapter of his second term.
The White House plans to be open for holiday tours. However, despite the arrival of a Christmas tree via horse-drawn carriage on Monday, the presidential residence will be much different this year.
Trump's decision to demolish the building's East Wing to make room for a new ballroom has turned part of the White House grounds into a construction site.
