Joe Biden has pardoned a Thanksgiving turkey for the final time, marking another "last" for the lame duck as his presidency nears its sad end.
The New York Post noted the "unusually somber" tone of the event, which is traditionally known for levity, as Biden shared his gratitude for the time he served in office.
The 82-year-old president pardoned two Minnesota turkeys named Peach and Blossom, who will live out their days at Farmamerica — Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center.
Peach, Biden quipped, lives by the motto "keep calm and gobble on" while Blossom follows the mantra, "No foul play, just Minnesota Nice.”
"Based on your temperament and commitment to being productive members of society, I hereby pardon Peach and Blossom!” Biden said to applause.
While Biden came equipped with the usual jokes expected during the annual event, he struck a wistful note as he acknowledged the coming end of his time in office.
“Let me close on a more serious note,” Biden said.
“This event marks the official start of the holiday season here in Washington. It’s also my last time to speak here as your president during this season and give thanks and gratitude. So let me say to you, it’s been the honor of my life. I’m forever grateful.”
Many have questioned whether Biden will pardon his son, Hunter, who was convicted on felony gun charges this year and pled guilty to tax offenses in a case that touched on his family's influence peddling.
The White House has said that Biden will not give his son a break, which would likely be perceived as unethical - but Biden also doesn't have much to lose, at this point.
Biden's plans for re-election were upended in June when his performance in a presidential debate set off alarms in his own party about his cognitive health. After weeks of resistance, Biden gave in to pressure from Democrats to forgo a second term.
Since then, Biden has been blamed by many Democrats for sabotaging the party's efforts to defeat Donald Trump - who won a historic second term after beating vice president Kamala Harris in a landslide.
Despite his bitter rivalry with Biden, President-elect Trump has not ruled out pardoning Hunter Biden as a gesture of goodwill.
“There’s no question about it, he’s been a bad boy. All you had to do is see the laptop from hell. But I happen to think it’s very bad for our country,” Trump added.
