A Storied Tradition of Presidential Turkeys

The annual turkey pardon is a unique spectacle in which the U.S. President spares the life of a turkey, a tradition that came into the spotlight again under President Trump as he pardoned Drumstick, watched by First Lady Melania and their son Barron at the White House on November 21, 2017.

Despite never having committed a crime, two turkeys receive clemency from the highest office in a ceremony filled with humor and confusion, showcasing one of America's most peculiar customs.

The Stars of Today’s Ceremony

This year, the honored turkeys are Gobble and Waddle. Post-ceremony, these birds enjoy their last days in comfort at North Carolina State University, a venue that has hosted prior pardoned turkeys such as Chocolate and Chip in 2022.

Turkeys for Presidents: A Historical Overview

Sending turkeys to the President began in the late 1800s, originally intended for the dining table. Notably, in 1940, a college student from Texas undertook a 2000-mile journey to hand-deliver a turkey to the President, a gesture that started a collective excitement, with lawmakers eager for mementos.

1947: The Poultry Industry Takes Charge

The National Turkey Federation carved its niche into this ritual following President Truman's grain-saving 'Poultryless Thursdays.' In reaction, the industry made its presence felt by delivering live poultry to the White House, resulting in the eventual presentation of a turkey to Truman, a tradition subsidized by the federation for media engagements.

Kennedy's Unintentional Mercy

Although President John F. Kennedy didn’t officially pardon a turkey in 1963, he opted not to consume one, deciding, 'We'll just let this one grow.' This decision was publicized but didn't use the term 'pardon.'

Reagan Introduces the Pardon Term

President Reagan brought the word 'pardon' into the turkey ceremony vocabulary during a 1987 interaction. Although the context involved deflection from the Iran-Contra affair, the intention was not ceremonial but rather a light-hearted aside.

Reagan's remark came as a humorous response when questioned about possible political pardons, extending some levity with his rhetorical remark, 'had they given me a different answer, I would have pardoned Charlie,' referencing the turkey.

Bush Formalizes the Tradition

The modern formality of the turkey pardon was established by President George H.W. Bush in 1989. His declaration assured that the honored turkey would not meet a culinary fate, but instead be granted the liberty to reside at a children's farm.