Trump Turkey Pardon 2025: President Donald Trump pardons the turkey “Goblet” at the 78th National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation at the White House on November 25, 2025. Two turkeys raised in North Carolina get the VIP treatment.
White House Turkey Pardon: The 78th National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation took place in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC on November 25, 2025. At the ceremony, US President Donald Trump officially pardoned this year’s national Thanksgiving turkey, “Goblet”. During this time, First Lady Melania Trump was also present.
This year’s two turkeys were raised in the Nahant area of North Carolina and custom-prepared by Travis Pittman and his family at Butterball Farms. The turkeys, which weighed more than 50 pounds, got the VIP treatment at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel before arriving at the White House.
During the ceremony, Trump jokingly referenced past political issues and announced that Goble and Waddle would now spend the rest of their lives in the Poultry Science Department at North Carolina State University, where experts and students would care for them.
This tradition of butchering a turkey began in 1947 and has become a fun and symbolic part of American culture. This tradition not only adds to the festive cheer of Thanksgiving, but also shows the importance of farmers’ contributions and animal welfare. This year’s presentation was also special because both turkeys were named through social media voting—making the event even more interactive.