Trump Pardons Turkeys in Thanksgiving Tradition – Live Updates

The tradition of pardoning turkeys during Thanksgiving at the White House has an intriguing history, dating back to 1863. It began when President Abraham Lincoln reportedly spared a turkey after his son, Tad, formed a bond with the bird.

Official Recognition of Turkey Pardoning

The annual turkey pardon became an official tradition during President George H.W. Bush’s administration in 1989. This ceremony was significant as it coincided with protests from animal rights activists.

President Bush’s Statement

During this event, President Bush humorously remarked, “Reprieve, keep him going, or pardon: it’s all the same for the turkey, as long as he doesn’t end up on the president’s holiday table.”

Previous Instances of Turkey Pardoning

While Bush formalized the practice, earlier presidents also spared turkeys. Notably, President John F. Kennedy unofficially pardoned a turkey just days before his assassination in 1963.

The Role of Turkey Gifting

Since the 19th century, individual farms have gifted turkeys to the presidents. However, it was not until 1947 that President Harry Truman made these presentations a public affair. That year, his administration aimed to encourage a reduction in poultry consumption to support postwar Europe.

Controversy Surrounding Thanksgiving

This push for conservation faced backlash as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day all fell on Thursdays, causing outrage among the public.

Conclusion

The turkey pardoning has become a beloved part of American Thanksgiving tradition, evolving over decades and reflecting changing societal values regarding animals and food consumption.