Trump ignores reporter’s question about trying to pardon himself after doing so for turkey

President skips usual puns and ‘dad jokes,’ gives history lesson on Thanksgiving instead

Donald Trump ignored a reporter’s question about whether he intends to pardon himself before leaving office, a legally dubious question on which there is no precedent.

“Will you be issuing a pardon for yourself?” a journalist shouted on Tuesday during a Rose Garden ceremony during which the outgoing president pardoned a turkey two days before Thanksgiving.

Mr Trump did not answer. 

He walked up a few stairs at the base of the Rose Garden near the Oval Office with First Lady Melania Trump before Turing to pose for pictures and wave to invited guests.

The same male reporter had just also asked if the president intends to issue any real pardons before leaving office on 20 January. Mr Trump did not answer.

“Mr President, will you invite President-elect Biden" a female reporter asked next, presumably meaning for the usual meeting in the Oval Office between an outgoing and incoming president to discuss the job and challenges the new commander in chief will face.

Then-President Barack Obama invited Mr Trump for such a meeting shortly after his win in 2016.

Meantime, Mr Trump appeared to have some advice for Mr Biden.

“America first – shouldn’t go away from that,” he said during his prepared remarks.

That has been his governing philosophy, which he borrowed from former GOP President Ronald Reagan.

Hours earlier, while introducing part of his national security team, the incoming president said “America is back.”

But while Mr Trump pulled the country away from being involved in global agreements and groups, Mr Biden said he would put it back “at the head of the table.”