President Trump officially pardoned a White House turkey named "Corn" on Tuesday afternoon in the Rose Garden. The other turkey, "Cob," wasn't so lucky.
"We're here today to continue a beloved annual tradition, the official presidential pardon of a very very fortunate turkey, because Thanksgiving is a special day for turkeys, I guess, probably for the most part not a very good one if you think about it," Trump said with First Lady Melania Trump standing by his side. "It my honor to president to you this year's lucky bird, Corn. And just in case case we needed him, Cob. Corn and Cob. That's not too hard to remember is it?"
President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS just continued a beloved White House tradition: the pardoning of the National Thanksgiving Turkey! pic.twitter.com/FNgPcpNN2m
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 24, 2020
"Every American can be united in thanksgiving to God for the incredible gifts He has bestowed upon us—the blessings of family, community, and this exceptional, beautiful, and great country." — President Trump pic.twitter.com/T1MDxrpZx1
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 24, 2020
Corn and Cob arrived in splendid fashion over the weekend and stayed at the Willard Hotel, which is one block from the White House.
We’re thrilled to once again welcome the #PresidentialTurkey to The Willard in advance of his presentation at The White House! Thank you to @natlturkeyfed for continuing this cherished tradition. https://t.co/RC2ccdsNmh
— Willard Hotel (@WillardHotel) November 23, 2020
The turkey pardon tradition was informally started under President Abraham Lincoln.