At the ceremonial turkey pardoning this year, President Obama referenced last week's executive immigration that sparked outrage among Congressional leaders who felt that the president had overreached his power.

"I am here to announce what I'm sure will be the most talked about executive action this month," Obama said. "Today I am taking an action fully within my legal authority, the same kind of action taken by Democrat and Republican presidents before me, to spare the lives of two turkeys, Mac and Cheese, from a terrible and delicious fate."

"I know some will call this amnesty, but don't worry," the president said. "There's plenty to go around."