In a customary tradition, politicians delivering Christmas messages is nothing out of the ordinary. However, the recent speech by US President Donald Trump regarding Christmas has stirred some controversy.
On the eve of Christmas, the President engaged in conversations with children awaiting Santa Claus’s arrival, utilizing the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) to monitor his global journey. Instead of focusing on the children’s holiday wishes or Santa’s treats, Trump delved into the topic of the 2020 presidential election, which remains a divisive issue among his supporters who believe the election was unfairly decided in favor of Joe Biden.
The aftermath of the election saw Trump supporters storming the Capitol on January 6, 2021, to impede the Electoral College vote counting, reflecting the ongoing impact of his loss on the 79-year-old despite his subsequent re-election.
During a conversation with a five-year-old at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, Trump, who lost Pennsylvania in the election, claimed without evidence that they had won Pennsylvania three times. He continued referencing the 2020 election while discussing the NORAD Santa tracker with another child, emphasizing his connection to Oklahoma voters.
The public reaction to Trump’s interactions with children during the broadcast was largely negative, with social media users criticizing his self-centered approach even during discussions about Santa Claus. This is not the first time Trump’s remarks about Santa have sparked backlash, recalling a similar incident in 2018.
Further complicating the festive spirit, Trump’s Christmas Day message took a critical tone, targeting what he referred to as “the Radical Left Scum” in a tweet from his official account. The message highlighted the ongoing political tensions in the country.
Trump’s Christmas calls and messages, rather than spreading joy, have been met with skepticism and criticism, showcasing the continued divisiveness in the aftermath of the 2020 election.