Trump’s Turkey Pardon Speech Turns Into a Political Roast

At the 2025 Thanksgiving pardoning of the national turkeys, Trump granted clemency to two birds — Gobble and Waddle — continuing the long-standing tradition. What is usually a light-hearted, apolitical moment turned into a political spectacle this time. Instead of sticking to turkey puns and holiday vibes, Trump used the event as a platform for sharp criticism of political opponents and city/state leadership.

He didn’t hold back: in the middle of pardoning the turkeys, Trump lambasted crime in Chicago, attacked the city’s mayor and JB Pritzker, the governor of Illinois, calling him a “big, fat slob.”

From Turkeys to Tirades: The Strange Shift in Tone

What’s odd is how far the ceremony drifted from tradition. Historically, the annual National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation is a symbolic and mostly apolitical gesture: presenting a turkey, pardoning it, maybe a few jokes, and done.

This time, though, Trump mixed in references to violent crime — even describing a horrifying incident in Chicago involving a woman set on fire — intertwining political criticism with holiday tradition.

He also attacked past pardons — including those under his predecessor — calling them invalid, mocking former political rivals by name, and drawing comparisons between his two turkeys and Democratic figures.

Mixed Reactions — Tradition or Theater?

Many observers saw the shift as jarring: a moment traditionally reserved for lighthearted levity turned into a full-blown political rally. For some, it felt disrespectful to both the audience and the symbolic turkeys. For others, it was classic Trump — using any platform, even a turkey pardon, to deliver his message.

Critics argue that by blending politics, mockery, and serious accusations during a ceremonial tradition, Trump undermined the spirit of the holiday ritual and turned it into a divisive performance.

Why This Matters: Holiday Rituals Meet High-Stakes Politics

This isn’t just about turkey jokes or pardoning birds. It’s a sign of how political theatre can creep into even the most innocuous traditions. When a holiday event becomes a stage for political rancor, it raises questions about respect, tone, and the boundaries between governance and spectacle.

In a polarized environment, public rituals might lose their neutrality — and become another frontline for political messaging. What should be a moment of light relief and tradition instead becomes a calculated display for supporters and critics alike.

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