Biden pardons final Thanksgiving turkeys of his presidency

President Joe Biden on Monday participated in the annual tradition of pardoning specific turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving, marking the last time he will do so as commander-in-chief. 

The president will be leaving the White House in January, after he opted not to seek reelection earlier this year, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris instead. However, President-elect Donald Trump defeated Harris earlier this month.

Biden pardoned two named Peach and Blossom, who hail from Minnesota. The names of the two turkeys are an homage to the state flower of the president's home state of Delaware, the peach blossom, per CBS News.

"In the last four years, I've had the honor to continue [the] tradition by pardoning Peanut Butter and Jelly, Chocolate and Chip, Liberty and Bell," Biden said during a ceremony at the White House. "And today, Peach and Blossom will join the free birds of the United States of America ... Based on your temperament and commitment to being productive members of society, I hereby pardon Peach and Blossom."

The two turkeys will now head to Farmamerica, Minnesota’s Center for Agricultural Interpretation, in Waseca.

“We appreciate President Biden for warmly welcoming the National Turkey Federation and my family, friends and colleagues from the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association to the White House earlier today,” National Turkey Federation Chairman John Zimmerman said in a statement. “While this is a busy season for our industry, it’s an honor to share the story of the hardworking turkey farmers, like ours, and processors who provide food not only for the holidays but every day of the year. 

"Their dedication feeds families across the globe, and we couldn’t be more thankful for their commitment to nourishing America and around the world," he added.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.