Every Thanksgiving Turkey Ever Pardoned In Michigan

One of the President's most impactful powers is the ability to pardon citizens of their crimes, with the most famous presidential pardon likely being that of disgraced former-President Richard Nixon. However, the most common pardon actually has nothing to do with people or crimes - instead, it has to do with a turkey every year. 

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It's been a presidential tradition since 1947, and is one that Governor Whitmer has recently adopted for the State of Michigan. In preparation for Governor Whitmer's unprecedented double pardoning taking place this year, let's recap the turkeys that the Governor has saved from a sad dinner table each year.

For context, the name for the turkey being pardoned is up to the community as part of a name-submission competition. 

2022: Mitch E. Gander

Governor Gretchen Whitmer brought the Turkey pardoning tradition to the Mitten State in 2022 with the pardoning of Mitch E. Gander. According to the Governor's Facebook page, the turkey had this to say:

"I’m relieved I won’t be spending Thanksgiving at the dinner table. Let’s flap our wings together, my fellow Michigobblers. I stand with Governor Whitmer to keep pushing our state forward, so that every Michigander can bring home the bacon (not turkey)."

2023: Dolly Pardon

The second turkey pardoned by Governor Whitmer was Dolly Pardon, a fantastic play on words for a turkey that will never have to work a 9-5.

2024: Aidan Cluckinson

Now for my personal favorite, Aidan Cluckinson, named after the Detroit Lions star Defensive Tackle. He was submitted by a young Michigander from South Lyon to spur the Detroit Lions to a win on Thanksgiving. It appears the pardon worked, because the Lions won their 10th game in a row, beating the Bears 23-20.

The 2025 turkey name has not been selected yet, but the final round of the competition is between Sonic & Knuckles and Faygo & Vernors. Personally, I submitted Sonic and Knuckles, so I really hope that one wins.