WASHINGTON, D.C. — The White House is gearing up for the 78th annual National Thanksgiving Turkey Pardoning Ceremony on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, when President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will officially pardon this year’s turkeys.
This year, the turkeys were named “Gobble” and “Waddle”, after students from North Carolina 4H and FFA submitted name ideas and the public helped select the finalists. Now, Americans have one last chance to vote on which of the two turkeys will participate in the ceremonial pardoning. To cast a vote, residents can text “Gobble” or “Waddle” to 45470. Voting closes Monday, November 24, at 11:59 PM.
Both birds were raised in North Carolina under the supervision of National Turkey Federation Chairman Jay Jandrain and Butterball grower Travis Pittman. After arriving in Washington, D.C., the turkeys enjoyed a stay at The Willard InterContinental Hotel, located near the White House.
Following the ceremony, “Gobble” and “Waddle” will return to North Carolina, where they will live at North Carolina State University’s Prestage Department of Poultry Science. There, the turkeys will receive dedicated care, veterinary services, and serve as educational ambassadors for the state’s turkey industry and animal agriculture programs.
The annual tradition highlights not only Thanksgiving celebrations but also the importance of agriculture and the nation’s turkey farming industry.
