Key Facts
- ✓ US President Donald Trump joked about 'bad Santa' infiltrating the country.
- ✓ The President praised 'clean, beautiful coal' during the call.
- ✓ The comments were made while taking calls from children tracking Santa's progress on Christmas Eve.
Quick Summary
US President Donald Trump participated in the annual Christmas Eve tradition of taking calls from children tracking Santa Claus. During the event, the President joked about a 'bad Santa' infiltrating the country. He also took the opportunity to praise the coal industry, calling it 'clean, beautiful coal.' The call is part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Tracks Santa program, a long-standing holiday tradition. Trump's comments combined festive holiday themes with his administration's focus on energy policy. The remarks about coal underscore his continued support for the fossil fuel sector. The 'bad Santa' joke added a unique political element to the holiday call.
Annual NORAD Santa Tracking Event
Every year on Christmas Eve, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) facilitates a program where children can track Santa Claus's journey around the world. The tradition involves volunteers answering phone calls from children asking about Santa's location. US President Donald Trump and the First Lady participated in this event by taking calls from children. The event serves as a festive holiday tradition for the administration and military personnel. During the call, the President engaged with children inquiring about Santa's progress. The NORAD Tracks Santa program has been a holiday staple for decades. The President's participation highlights the cultural significance of the event.
"clean, beautiful coal"
— Donald Trump, US President
President's Remarks on Coal
While speaking with children and military personnel, President Donald Trump expressed strong support for the coal industry. He described coal as 'clean, beautiful coal.' These comments reflect the administration's ongoing policy of supporting fossil fuel industries. The President has frequently advocated for the revival of the coal sector during his time in office. His remarks during the Christmas Eve call reiterated his commitment to energy independence through traditional resources. The statement was made in the context of a holiday event, blending political messaging with the festive atmosphere. The praise for coal underscores the administration's divergence from policies aimed at reducing fossil fuel usage.
The 'Bad Santa' Joke
President Donald Trump introduced a political element to the holiday call by joking about a 'bad Santa.' He joked that a 'bad Santa' might be trying to infiltrate the country. The comment added a humorous yet politically charged tone to the event. The President's use of the term 'bad Santa' is consistent with his rhetoric regarding border security and immigration. The joke was delivered during a call intended for children tracking Santa's movements. The remark stood out as a departure from the typically non-political nature of the NORAD event. The 'bad Santa' comment quickly became a focal point of the President's holiday appearance.
Context and Administration Policy
The Christmas Eve call serves as a platform for the President to connect with the public during the holidays. President Donald Trump has consistently used his platform to promote his energy agenda. His support for 'clean, beautiful coal' is a central pillar of his domestic policy. The administration has rolled back various regulations aimed at limiting carbon emissions to support the coal industry. The President's remarks during the holiday event reinforce his commitment to these policies. The blending of holiday festivities with political messaging is a characteristic feature of the administration's communication style. The event highlights the intersection of tradition, politics, and holiday cheer in the White House.
"bad Santa"
— Donald Trump, US President



