The festive season in the United States saw sharply contrasting Christmas messages from President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump on Wednesday. While Biden delivered a message of goodwill and unity, Trump used the occasion to air grievances and make provocative political statements, leaving little room for traditional holiday cheer.
Biden’s message of unity
President Biden, in a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), focused on kindness and gratitude. His post paid tribute to military personnel serving away from home during the holiday season.
“Jill and I hold a special place in our hearts for the brave men and women in uniform who defend our nation, many of whom are away from their families this holiday season. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe Christmas Eve,” Biden wrote. In a separate post, he added a simple, “Merry Christmas, everyone.”
Biden’s message was widely interpreted as a traditional and unifying note, reflecting his administration’s emphasis on fostering compassion and togetherness.
Trump’s provocative remarks
In stark contrast, Trump’s Christmas message on his Truth Social platform took a decidedly unconventional turn. Later shared on X, the former president’s comments were a mix of sarcasm, geopolitical barbs, and domestic policy suggestions.
“Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago),” Trump wrote. He accused China of taking advantage of the U.S., adding that the U.S. has spent billions on repairs for the canal without having a say in its operations.
Greenland and Canada in the spotlight
Trump also revived his controversial proposal to purchase Greenland, a territory of Denmark. Addressing Greenlanders, he claimed the U.S. presence was crucial for national security and suggested that Greenlanders would welcome American governance.
“Likewise, to the people of Greenland, which is needed by the United States for national security purposes and, who want the U.S. to be there, and we will!” Trump declared.
His comments didn’t stop there. Trump took aim at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, mockingly referring to him as “Governor Justin Trudeau.” He suggested that Canada would benefit from becoming the U.S.’s 51st state, promising substantial tax cuts, economic growth, and unmatched military protection.
Sarcasm meets political ambition
Trump’s Christmas posts included more than 30 messages, many of which targeted political rivals and praised his own administration’s achievements. He mocked “radical left lunatics” and criticised former President Barack Obama while sharing articles that praised his leadership.
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In another post, Trump named Kevin Marino Cabrera as his choice for U.S. ambassador to Panama, accusing the Central American country of exploiting the U.S. through its control of the Panama Canal. Referring to Panama as “a country that is ripping us off,” Trump’s remarks added to the series of contentious statements.
The former president even shared an image of himself labelled “Patriot of the Year,” reflecting his ongoing efforts to bolster his image among his base.
Polarisation on display
The contrast between Biden’s message of unity and Trump’s provocative remarks underscored the deep divisions in American politics. While Biden aimed to spread goodwill during the holiday season, Trump’s comments highlighted his ongoing grievances and unconventional political style.
Trump’s Christmas statements, though atypical for the occasion, are consistent with his approach to mixing politics with personal branding. His use of sarcasm and grandiose proposals, such as buying Greenland or reshaping Canada’s governance, reflects his strategy to appeal to his supporters while remaining in the spotlight.
Conclusion
As Americans celebrated Christmas, the duelling messages from the current and former presidents served as a microcosm of the nation’s political climate. Biden’s message sought to unify, while Trump’s remarks spotlighted the polarising rhetoric that has become a hallmark of his political career.
Whether discussing the Panama Canal, Greenland, or Canada, Trump’s Christmas posts showcased his penchant for controversy and his focus on maintaining relevance as he continues to shape the Republican Party’s identity. As the holiday season continues, these contrasting messages offer a snapshot of the divided state of American political discourse.
