Skip to main content
Back to Show
PBS News Hour

The surprising history behind the Thanksgiving turkey pardon

The tradition of the U.S. president’s pardoning a turkey at Thanksgiving was repeated once again at the White House, as President Trump performed the ritual before heading to Mar-a-Lago. But what started this peculiar custom? Yamiche Alcindor reports on the surprising history behind the holiday practice.

Support Provided By
Season
May 13, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 13, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 12, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 12, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 11, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 11, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 8, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 8, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 7, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 7, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 6, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 6, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 5, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 5, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 4, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 4, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 1, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
May 1, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
April 30, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
56:46
April 30, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
April 29, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
April 29, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
April 28, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
April 28, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Active loading indicator