WASHINGTON – Former President donald Trump participated in the annual presidential tradition of pardoning turkeys Monday, sparing two birds named Liberty and Bell from becoming Thanksgiving dinner.The White House ceremony, a lighthearted event typically marking the start of the holiday season, offered a brief respite from ongoing legal and logistical challenges facing Trump as he transitions into his post-presidency. This year’s pardons follow a week where a federal judge dismissed cases against James Comey and Letitia James, both targets of what critics describe as Trump’s retribution campaign. The judge cited an improper appointment of the interim U.S. attorney who brought the charges, though the Justice Department retains the option to refile them.
Beyond the legal developments, the White House itself is undergoing significant changes. trump has initiated demolition of the East Wing to construct a new ballroom, transforming a portion of the grounds into a construction zone as the holiday season approaches. Despite the ongoing work, the White House announced plans to proceed with holiday tours. A Christmas tree arrived Monday via horse-drawn carriage, signaling a continued effort to maintain festive traditions despite the disruption.