Trump's Politically Charged Christmas: From Santa Calls to Salutations
In a move that reflects the global trend of leaders using holidays as political platforms, former US President Donald Trump seized on Christmas to project certain narratives and take swipes at his adversaries. Trump engaged with children tracking Santa Claus via the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), made pointed remarks about clean, beautiful coal,
and even extended Christmas greetings to the radical left scum.
Background
As reported by Folha de S.Paulo, leaders of diverse governments and ideologies have increasingly exploited holidays such as Christmas as political tools, often overshadowing their religious significance. This trend, noticeable in figures ranging from Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin, involves using these occasions to project values, reinforce narratives, and attack opponents.
Santa Calls and Political Statements
According to Fox News, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump spoke with several children on Christmas Eve via the NORAD Santa Tracker hotline from their Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. During these calls, Trump praised clean, beautiful coal
and suggested that one child, who asked for a Kindle, must be a high IQ person.
He also playfully warned against a potential bad Santa
infiltrating the country, as reported by The Hindu.
Christmas Greetings to Adversaries
Trump did not shy away from using his Christmas greetings as a platform for political messaging. As reported by TASS, ANSA, and RT (Russia Today), he extended his Christmas wishes to all, pointedly including the radical left scum
he perceives as his enemies. The message, delivered from his Florida residence, also highlighted his administration's achievements, specifically noting the absence of open borders, men in women’s sports, transgender for everyone, or weak law enforcement.
Reactions and Implications
While the reactions to Trump's Christmas exploits were not explicitly detailed in the sources, his actions reflect the broader trend of politicizing holidays. They are likely to have resonated differently with his supporters and critics, possibly reinforcing existing narratives and divisions.
Conclusion
The former President's Christmas activities served as a potent reminder of the increasingly blurred line between politics and social occasions. With leaders worldwide, from Trump to Putin, turning such celebrations into political acts, the implications for democratic discourse and the future of political engagement merit continued scrutiny.