Two Eastern NC turkeys getting pardons from Trump, new home at NC State

Good morning and welcome to your Under the Dome newsletter. It’s Thanksgiving week, and that means it’s time for President Donald Trump’s least controversial pardons.

And yes, we’re covering the real pardons — but there’s a North Carolina connection to everything, even a (mostly) frivolous holiday tradition.

Ahead of our national day of poultry consumption, the president pardons two turkeys, inviting the lucky birds to the White House to announce they’ll be spared from being stuffed and roasted. North Carolina, as you might expect in a state that ranks first or second in turkey production depending on who you ask, has contributed to this venerable White House ceremony. In 2022, then-President Joe Biden pardoned Chocolate and Chip, who were raised in Monroe and then sent to Raleigh to be “ambassadors” for NC State.

This year, it’s Gobble and Waddle’s turn for clemency. Hailing from Nahunta in Eastern North Carolina’s Wayne County, they’re now trotting billboards for North Carolina tourism. Gobble weighs 52 pounds and, according to his official White House bio, enjoys Bojangles biscuits and “making birdies at Pinehurst No. 2.” From 50-pound Waddle’s bio, we learn about his Cook Out order (a Cheerwine float) and his dream job (Hype Bird for the Wolfpack).

The White House says North Carolina 4H and FFA participants offered up potential names for the birds that then went out to a vote on social media. Another social media vote through Monday night was held to decide which one of the pair would “officially participate in the ceremonial pardoning.”

That implies the other turkey won’t participate, but don’t worry: The White House says in a press release that both turkeys will “live out the rest of their lives” at NC State, where “they will receive dedicated housing, daily care, and veterinary services as they support agriculture education and highlight the importance of America’s turkey industry and animal agriculture.”

On Friday, Gov. Josh Stein issued pardons of his own to two hens: Krispy and Kreme. And Stein’s office said Butterball will donate 1,500 turkey breasts to a local food bank.

Podcast: DMV and RDU

On a new episode of the Under the Dome podcast out today, News & Observer Capitol bureau chief and host Dawn Vaughan talks with transportation reporter Richard Stradling about what’s changed at the NC DMV, what’s coming soon at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and what to expect as you travel in North Carolina this Thanksgiving week. Plus, stay tuned for their picks for Headliner of the Week.

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