The White House briefing room saw an unusual guest this week: a fifty-pound turkey named Waddle. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt presented Waddle, alongside his companion Gobble, to a room full of reporters anticipating the annual presidential pardon.
The atmosphere quickly turned playful, with journalists posing surprisingly serious questions to the feathered visitor. Topics ranged from international diplomacy in Ukraine to the very nature of the offense requiring a pardon – a testament to the lighthearted tradition unfolding.
Following the ceremony, Waddle and Gobble will embark on a new chapter, becoming “Turkey Ambassadors” at North Carolina State University. Their role will be to represent the turkey industry, a unique post for two birds narrowly escaping the Thanksgiving table.
The arrival of the turkeys signals the official start of the holiday season at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Alongside the pardon, the White House welcomed the official Christmas tree, initiating a week of cherished traditions.
This year’s names, Waddle and Gobble, weren’t chosen behind closed doors. First Lady Melania Trump engaged the public, hosting a poll to determine the perfect monikers for the pardoned pair.
While Minnesota has been a frequent contributor to the presidential turkey pool in recent years – Peach and Blossom were last year’s lucky birds – this year’s selection broadened the scope. Turkeys have hailed from states across the nation, including North Carolina, Indiana, and California.
The majestic Fraser fir destined for the Blue Room originated from Korson’s Tree Farms in Sidney Township, Michigan. Owners Rex and Jessica Korson earned the honor of supplying the White House tree by winning the National Christmas Tree Association’s prestigious national contest.
The Korson family will also provide a smaller tree specifically for the Oval Office, adding a personal touch to the President’s workspace. Their dedication to quality and tradition has brought a piece of Michigan’s natural beauty to the heart of the nation’s capital.
