Donald Trump has thanked health care workers and given thanks for Covid vaccines at the traditional Thanksgiving turkey pardon ceremony at the White House.

“We give thanks for the vaccines and therapies that will soon end the pandemic.”

The National Turkey Federation presented the White House with two birds, Corn and Cob. Corn was declared the national Thanksgiving turkey, though both will retire to a new home on the campus of Iowa State University.

“Look at that beautiful, beautiful bird. Oh, so lucky. That is a lucky bird. Corn, I hereby grant you a full pardon. Thank you, Corn. What a bird. Thank you.”

He added: “Happy Thanksgiving to everybody. Thank you very much. Thank you, everybody. Have a good one.”

Trump did not take questions from reporters as he spoke in the Rose Garden to more than 100 staff and guests, the vast majority wearing masks.