‘Waddle’ the turkey faces press questions in White House briefing room ahead of presidential pardon
In a festive kickoff to Thanksgiving week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt introduced the star of the upcoming turkey pardon, a hefty turkey named “Waddle,” during a press briefing. Waddle, who tips the scales at over 50 pounds, was accompanied by a representative from the National Turkey Federation (NTF). Reporters engaged in lighthearted banter with the turkey, posing questions about everything from his views on global peace negotiations to the hypothetical crime that warranted his pardon. Following the ceremony, Waddle and his companion turkey, “Gobble,” will transition to their new roles as “Turkey ambassadors” at North Carolina State University, promoting the turkey industry and its significance.
This annual event is a cherished White House tradition, and this year’s turkey pardon coincides with the arrival of the official White House Christmas tree, heralding the start of the holiday season at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. First Lady Melania Trump played a pivotal role in naming the turkeys through a poll on social media platform X, leading to the whimsical names that delighted both the press and the public. In a nod to tradition, last year’s pardoned turkeys, “Peach” and “Blossom,” followed in the footsteps of previous honorees from Minnesota, such as “Liberty” and “Bell.” This year, however, turkeys have been sourced from a wider range of states, including North Carolina, Indiana, Iowa, South Dakota, Ohio, California, Virginia, and Missouri.
In addition to the turkey festivities, the White House will also welcome a Fraser fir Christmas tree, which is set to adorn the Blue Room. This year’s tree comes from Korson’s Tree Farms in Michigan, selected after the farm triumphed in the National Christmas Tree Association’s National Tree Contest. Owners Rex and Jessica Korson will present the tree, along with a smaller version for the Oval Office, marking another highlight in the holiday traditions of the White House. As the nation prepares for Thanksgiving, these events not only celebrate the season but also reflect the enduring customs that bring joy and a sense of community to the American holiday experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPUlvLp3ABU
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt introduced “Waddle” the turkey to reporters in the briefing room before President
Donald Trump
is scheduled to pardon him and his friend, “Gobble,” on Tuesday.
A representative of the National Turkey Federation (NTF) who accompanied Leavitt confirmed to reporters that Waddle weighs over 50 pounds. Reporters peppered Waddle with questions ranging from his opinion on the peace negotiations in Ukraine to what crime he had committed to require a pardon.
The NTF spokeswoman told reporters that after Waddle and Gobble are pardoned, they will move to North Carolina State University, where they will serve as “Turkey ambassadors for our industry.”
Trump’s White House is kicking off Thanksgiving week with some classic White House holiday traditions, including the turkey pardon and the arrival of the official White House Christmas tree, marking the start of the season at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
AMERICAN TRUCKER SAYS TRANSPORTING CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE 3,000 MILES TO WASHINGTON, DC, IS ‘HUGE HONOR’
First lady
Melania Trump
held a poll on X to name this year’s turkeys, resulting in Waddle and Gobble.
THANKSGIVING TRAVEL RUSH IS UNDERWAY AT AIRPORTS NATIONWIDE
Last year’s pardoned turkeys, “Peach” and “Blossom,” and the ones before them, “Liberty” and “Bell,” all came
from Minnesota
.
North Carolina, Indiana, Iowa, South Dakota, Ohio, California, Virginia and Missouri have all sent turkeys to the White House.
Meanwhile, this year’s tree comes from Korson’s Tree Farms in Sidney Township, Michigan, which is about an hour northeast of Grand Rapids.
The Fraser fir, which will stand in the Blue Room of the White House, will be presented by farm owners Rex and Jessica Korson. The two will also supply a smaller tree for the Oval Office.
The family earned the honor by winning the National Christmas Tree Association’s National Tree Contest in July, the competition that selects the farm supplying the White House Christmas tree each year.
