On Tuesday, Donald Trump attended the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardoning ceremony at the White House, intending to blend humor with tradition. However, the event quickly transformed into a spectacle that left many questioning the essence of presidential decorum.

Traditionally, this lighthearted event features presidents delivering puns and positive reflections on the state of the nation. For nearly eight decades, the turkey presentation has served as a reassuring ritual during Thanksgiving, but this year proved to be markedly different. While two turkeys are usually presented for public voting, this time only Gobble was present, as the other bird, Waddle, was humorously deemed “missing in action.”

Amidst the celebratory decor, Trump transformed the Rose Garden into a setting resembling his Mar-a-Lago estate, complete with lavish stones and a surreal walk of fame featuring portraits of former presidents—excluding Joe Biden, who was depicted with a signed auto pen. In light rain, Trump remarked on the patio, suggesting that grass would leave guests “sinking into the mud,” a tongue-in-cheek jibe at past ceremonies.

While Trump’s critics often dismiss his comedic talents, he frequently showcases a knack for connecting with supporters through relatable commentary during political campaigns. However, during this event, his humor fell flat. Lacking spontaneity, Trump’s jokes felt stiff and ill-timed, especially given the recent dismissal of a significant legal case against his political adversaries.

Trump’s remarks veered from humorous announcements of pardons to disparaging comments about political opponents. “Last year’s turkey pardons are totally invalid,” he declared, prompting only slight laughter from an audience that included influential political figures.

As he moved to discuss the fate of last year’s turkeys, Trump made a dark joke about saving them from being processed for dinner. His delivery was at odds with the intended festive atmosphere, as he wandered through various topics, touching on issues from nuclear power to immigration policy.

He even jokingly compared the turkeys to Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, claiming he would never consider pardoning them. This attempt to elicit laughter earned mild amusement from a few isolated attendees yet failed to resonate widely.

Trump further remarked on the size of his turkeys, boasting that they were certified as the first-ever “Maha” turkeys, part of a far-fetched initiative. His subsequent offhand comments about immigration and his administration’s crackdown on crime in major cities starkly contrasted the occasion’s initial light-heartedness. His references to serious themes left many in the audience bewildered.

Highlighting his theatrical style, Trump concluded the ceremony by unconditionally pardoning Gobble, even attempting a brief turkey imitation. This particular turkey pardon, however, seemed overshadowed by the ongoing controversies surrounding his presidency and public opinion on his approach to leadership.