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
September 15, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
56:45
September 15, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 14, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
September 14, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
September 13, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
September 13, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
September 12, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 12, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 11, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 11, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 10, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 10, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 9, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 9, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 8, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
56:44
September 8, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 7, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
September 7, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
September 6, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
26:45
September 6, 2025 - PBS News Weekend full episode
September 5, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 5, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 4, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 4, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode
Active loading indicator