The President’s Choice
The White House selects the names of the National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate, often chosen from suggestions submitted by the public. In recent years, the White House has selected which turkey should be presented as the National Thanksgiving Turkey and which should be the alternate. The final choice is announced by the president during the ceremony. Both turkeys receive an official pardon from the Thanksgiving table. A listing of recent name pairings for the National Thanksgiving turkey and alternate is listed below.
- 2023 – Liberty and Bell (Minnesota)
- 2022 – Chocolate and Chip (North Carolina)
- 2021 – Peanut Butter and Jelly (Indiana)
- 2020 – Corn and Cob (Iowa)
- 2019 – Butter and Bread (North Carolina)
- 2018 – Peas and Carrots (South Dakota)
- 2017 – Drumstick and Wishbone (Minnesota)
- 2016 – Tot and Tater (Iowa)
- 2015 – Abe and Honest (California)
- 2014 – Cheese and Mac (Ohio)
- 2013 – Popcorn and Caramel (Minnesota)
- 2012 – Cobbler and Gobbler (Virginia)
- 2011 – Liberty and Peace (Minnesota)
- 2010 – Apple and Cider (California)
- 2009 – Courage and Carolina (North Carolina)
- 2008 – Pecan and Pumpkin (Iowa)
- 2007 – May and Flower (Indiana)
- 2006 – Flyer and Fryer (Missouri)
