Disappointing Thanksgiving for President: Trump pardons turkey as Biden ushers in new national security team

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday pardoned a turkey in the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation that takes place in the White House every year.

In the ceremony, two turkeys, Corn, and Cob were kept in the Willard Intercontinental Hotel before the official ceremony. An online poll was conducted, and Corn was elected by the American people to be pardoned.

As dictated by the rules of the official ceremony, Trump pointed towards the large white turkey, and said, “I hereby grant you a full pardon.”

In a brief statement, Trump also thanked healthcare workers and researchers working for a Covid-19 vaccine and the US armed services who has put “America first”.  

This is Trump's first public remarks since his resounding defeat in the Presidential elections, and the General Services Administration finally agreeing to release funding for President-Elect Biden's transition team.

After weeks of defiance, President Donald Trump on Monday allowed officials to proceed with a transition to President-elect Joe Biden, giving his Democratic rival access to briefings and funding even as he vowed to persist with efforts to fight the election results.

Trump, a Republican, has alleged widespread voter fraud in the November 3 election without providing evidence. Although he has not acknowledged Biden’s victory since the former vice president clinched the Electoral College more than two weeks ago, Trump’s announcement on Monday was the closest he has come to admitting defeat.

It is to be noted that earlier Trump refused to conceded defeat in the elections citing voter fraud. Furthermore, he has lost 35 of 36 election-related lawsuits.

Meanwhile, Biden has also introduced his national security appointees. Introducing his foreign policy and national security team, the Democratic former vice president Tuesday signalled he intended after taking office on January 20 to steer the United States away from the unilateralist nationalism pursued by Trump.

Joe Biden defeated Trump by 306-232 in the electoral college.  Biden also leads by over 6 million in the national popular vote.