President Trump jokes election recounts and Democratic subpoenas during turkey pardon

Kyle Moss

On Tuesday, President Trump stuck with the presidential tradition of pardoning a turkey before Thanksgiving. A vote on the White House website earned a turkey named Peas the right to a pardon, while his alternate, Carrots, might not be so lucky.

“This was a fair election. Unfortunately, Carrots refused to concede and demanded a recount, and we’re still fighting with Carrots,” Trump said, receiving some light laughter. “And I will tell you, we have come to a conclusion. Carrots, I’m sorry to tell you the result did not change.”

Along with sending a message of unity during his speech, Trump, of course, used the made-for-TV event to take a few digs at Democrats as well.

“Even though Peas and Carrots have received a presidential pardon, I have warned them that House Democrats are likely to issue them both subpoenas,” he joked.

The event comes on the heels of Trump issuing a statement implying that the U.S. will not punish the Saudi crown prince for his alleged role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. But that didn’t stop the president’s attempts at humor from coming in hot.

“Nonetheless, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I will be issuing both Peas and Carrots a presidential pardon,” he continued. “Unfortunately, I can’t guarantee that your pardons won’t be enjoined by the Ninth Circuit. Always happens.”

And even though Americans will consume around 46 million turkeys this holiday, Peas is safe … for now.

“Peas, I hereby grant you a full pardon,” Trump said.

Check out what Cindy McCain had to say about Donald Trump in her first interview since the passing of her husband, Sen. John McCain:

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