The Origins of the Presidential Turkey Pardon Tradition

The annual White House turkey pardon has a more recent history than most realize.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The tradition of the president pardoning a Thanksgiving turkey at the White House is a well-known annual event, but its origins are not as old as many believe. While there are some anecdotal stories of past presidents sparing turkeys, the first official presidential turkey pardon did not occur until 1989 under President George H.W. Bush.

Why it matters

The turkey pardon has become an enduring White House tradition that reflects the changing attitudes towards animal welfare in American society. The origins of the pardon shed light on how this quirky custom emerged and evolved over time.

The details

There are myths that the tradition began with President Abraham Lincoln or Harry Truman, but these are not supported by historical evidence. Some past presidents, like John F. Kennedy, John Carter, and Ronald Reagan, informally spared turkeys given to them, but did not hold an official pardoning ceremony. It wasn't until 1989, when President George H.W. Bush formally pardoned a turkey, that the annual White House turkey pardon became an established tradition, likely due to the growing popularity of the animal rights movement at the time.

  • The first known instance of a president sparing a turkey was in 1963, when President John F. Kennedy said a large turkey given to him 'will just grow.'

The players

George H.W. Bush

The 41st President of the United States who initiated the first official White House turkey pardon in 1989.

Abraham Lincoln

A past president whose son Tad was said to have asked him to spare a turkey, but this story is likely apocryphal.

Harry Truman

A past president who was thought by some, including Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, to have been the first to pardon a turkey, but there is no evidence to support this.

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What they’re saying

“But let me assure you, and this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone's dinner table, not this guy – he's presented a Presidential pardon as of right now – and allow him to live out his days on a children's farm not far from here.”

— George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States

The takeaway

The annual White House turkey pardon, while a beloved tradition today, is a relatively modern custom that emerged in the late 20th century as public attitudes towards animal welfare evolved. The origins of this quirky ritual shed light on how even long-standing presidential customs can have surprisingly recent beginnings.