Trump pardons turkey at White House ceremony

In the Rose Garden Tuesday, President Trump pardoned Corn the turkey at the annual Thanksgiving ceremony.

Video transcript

DONALD TRUMP: 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 when you think about it. The first turkey to dodge the White House dinner table received unofficial clemency when President Abraham Lincoln's son, Tad, begged his father to spare his new friend.

For the past 73 years, the National Turkey Federation has presented the National Thanksgiving Turkey to the president. Starting under President George H.W. Bush, these birds have received a formal pardon every single year. Today, it is my honor to present to you this year's lucky bird, Corn, and just in case we needed him, Cob. Corn and Cob-- that's not too hard to remember, is it? Corn, I hereby grant you a full pardon. Thank you, Corn.

[APPLAUSE]

Happy Thanksgiving to everybody. Thank you very much.

[APPLAUSE]