Wishbone, one of two turkeys pardoned by President Donald Trump, is previewed by members of the press, Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017, at the White House briefing room in Washington. | AP Photo

News Politics Washington

Trump pardons Thanksgiving turkeys Drumstick and Wishbone

By Associated Press

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is using his pardon power to keep a pair of turkeys from the Thanksgiving roaster.

Trump continued the annual presidential tradition during an event Tuesday in the White House Rose Garden. The act of leniency means 47-pound Drumstick and 36-pound Wishbone will instead get to live the rest of their lives at a Virginia farm. First lady Melania Trump and son Barron joined the president for the light-hearted ceremony.

The White House sought public input to determine which gobbler should be pardoned. Trump says Drumstick was the winner, though both birds usually are given a reprieve.

President George H. W. Bush established the annual turkey pardon tradition in 1989 when he spared an unnamed, 50-pound turkey.

Trump was headed to his Florida estate later Tuesday for Thanksgiving.

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