President Donald Trump delivered a Christmas message this week that struck a very different tone from the holiday greetings shared by former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
Why It Matters
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States, and presidents traditionally use the moment to offer a unifying message. Trump’s latest remarks arrive nearly a year after he took office in January, as the country remains split over his performance. He has also used holiday messages in past years to take aim at political opponents.
What To Know
On Wednesday, Trump posted a Christmas message to Americans on his social media platform Truth Social, accusing “Radical Left Scum” of “doing everything possible to destroy our Country.”
“Merry Christmas to all, including the Radical Left Scum that is doing everything possible to destroy our Country, but are failing badly. We no longer have Open Borders, Men in Women’s Sports, Transgender for Everyone, or Weak Law Enforcement. What we do have is a Record Stock Market and 401K’s, Lowest Crime numbers in decades, No Inflation, and yesterday, a 4.3 GDP, two points better than expected. Tariffs have given us Trillions of Dollars in Growth and Prosperity, and the strongest National Security we have ever had. We are respected again, perhaps like never before. God Bless America!!! President DJT,” Trump wrote.
He also issued a separate Christmas message published on the White House’s official website.
A Separate White House Message
In the statement posted to the White House website, Trump offered a more traditional holiday greeting.
“The First Lady and I send our warmest wishes to all Americans as we share in the joy of Christmas Day and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” he wrote.
He added that Christmas is also a time to give thanks “for the many blessings that God has bestowed upon our great Nation,” and he recognized “the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who are unable to be with their families,” saying he and the first lady are “grateful for their devotion, and we keep them and their loved ones close in our hearts.”
“During the Christmas season, we pray for an outpouring of God’s abiding love, divine mercy, and everlasting peace upon our country and the entire world. To every American, and to those celebrating around the globe, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!” Trump wrote.
How It Compared to Other Leaders’ Messages
Trump’s Truth Social post stood out for its combative tone when placed alongside messages from recent presidents.
Obama wrote in a post to X: “Merry Christmas! Michelle and I hope you have a wonderful holiday filled with light and joy.”
Biden wrote in a post to X on Thursday: “With our hearts full of light and love, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Getting to know our great-grandson Willie in his first year has been a blessing and a reminder of the hope we will always have for the future. Our wish for you and for our country is that we continue to seek in one another love, kindness, and compassion.”
Biden also posted on Christmas Eve: “Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Christmas Eve filled with love.”
Vice President JD Vance shared his own message on X, writing: “Merry Christmas!”
Former Vice President Kamala Harris posted a message with former second gentleman Doug Emhoff on Thursday afternoon: “From our family to yours, merry Christmas! We hope your day is filled with good people and good food.”
The White House also shared a separate message on December 23: “Merry Christmas from President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.”
Online Reaction and Context
Trump’s Truth Social post drew criticism on social media. Progressive commentator Wajahat Ali responded, “What a freak. This is your King, MAGA.” U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle, a Pennsylvania Democrat, wrote, “Reminds me of Bing Crosby crossed with Jimmy Stewart.”
Last year, Trump’s 2024 holiday message included references to annexing the Panama Canal, Greenland, and Canada.
This year, he issued an order closing executive departments and federal agencies on Christmas Eve and the day after Christmas. He spent Christmas Eve at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and participated in North American Aerospace Defense Command Santa Tracker calls with children across the country. He later wrote on Truth Social on Thursday: “MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!”
What People Are Saying
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, on X: “The Johnson family wishes you and yours a blessed and merry Christmas!”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, on X: “Merry Christmas. I’m wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season full of joy and peace.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, on X: “‘To fulfill the law and prophets To a virgin came the word From a throne of endless glory To a cradle in the dirt…’ (King of Kings) Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas.”
What Happens Next
Millions of Americans celebrated Christmas on Thursday. The next major federal holiday is New Year’s Day on January 1, 2026.
