Donald Trump says he was told he can't overturn Obama's turkey pardons

For the annual presidential pardoning of the turkey, President Donald Trump cracked wise on Tuesday that this was one Obama decision he wouldn’t be able to overturn.

“I have been very active in overturning a number of executive actions by my predecessor,” Trump began. “However, I have been informed by the White House counsel’s office that Tater and Tot’s pardons cannot under any circumstances be revoked. So we’re not going to revoke them.”

Referring to the turkey whose life will be spared for 2017, Trump pointed him out in the crowd: “Hi Drumstick. Oh, Drumstick, I think, is going to be very happy.” He later added, “I’m pleased to report that unlike millions of other turkeys at this time of year, Drumstick has a very bright future ahead of him.”

Trump also provided some historical context, arguing that Harry Truman “refused” to pardon a Thanksgiving turkey and that he’s going to be a kinder chief executive. “He was a tough cookie,” Trump explained. “Today, I’m going to be a much nicer president.”