Two lucky turkeys, Bread and Butter, were granted clemency as part of the presidential pardoning. The First Lady shared photographs of the annual event on her Twitter page. In the images, Trump could be seen petting the bird, while Melania stood back and watched.
The post received scores of criticisms aimed at the First Lady and her family.
Karyn Cleavely claimed on social media Melania doesn’t like animals.
She posted: “She stayed away from the dog before, and here she won’t get near the turkey.
“Explains why she stays as far away from her husband as possible.”
Emma Zen told Melania on Twitter: “Eat crow. It’s what you deserve.”
The pardoning followed an intense booing of Melania when she gave a speech in Baltimore as part of her BeBest campaign.
One Twitter user commented: “Melania likes working with dogs and turkeys. They don’t boo!”
Erin Cline said she was glad a “truly innocent turkey was saved”.
JUST IN: Ivanka Trump shares emotional Thanksgiving childhood snap on Instagram
One person tweeted: “Why’s the Turkey wearing a poorly fitting suit and red tie?”
Another added: “The only turkey I see in this picture has orange hair and a suit on.”
Mary Wetton wrote to the First Lady: “I’m not sure it’s polite to call Trump a turkey, but you do you.
“God knows he’s going to need a pardon.”
A social media user posted: “Who pardoned who? Both turkeys, both gobble too much, both shaped like triangles, both need a good plucking!”
Some Twitter users highlighted how The Trump’s son Barron was missing from another White House event.
One social media user wrote: “I just don’t understand why Barron couldn’t be a part of this silly activity.
“I’m sure that I’m not the only one who thinks it’s weird that you never include Barron in any fun White House activities. I feel so sorry for him.”
Despite the tirade of criticisms directed towards the First Lady and her family, many came out in support.
A person on Twitter wrote to Melania: “I’ve never known a President’s wife to be so gracious, beautiful and intelligent as you are.
“You make our country proud. Thank you and may you have a blessed Thanksgiving.”
The Turkeys will be sent to Gobblers Rest in Virginia where they will be looked after by veterinary students.