As the U.S. prepares for a shift in leadership, President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump shared their holiday messages, offering contrasting tones during this festive season.
President Biden, in his final Christmas message as president, took to X to express hope for the nation’s future, wishing Americans a Merry Christmas and emphasizing the values of liberty, love, kindness, compassion, dignity, and decency. He acknowledged the significance of this being his last holiday season as president, and in a separate message for Hanukkah, he shared his wish for the festival to “shine from menorahs around the world.”
In stark contrast, Donald Trump used Truth Social to wish a Merry Christmas to his followers, sharing a video with Melania Trump where they honored Christianity and paid tribute to Americans who serve to protect the nation. However, Trump quickly diverged from the festive spirit, using the platform to target international issues. He claimed that Chinese soldiers were “illegally, but lovingly,” operating the Panama Canal, though he offered no further explanation on the matter.
Trump then turned his attention to Canada, criticizing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for what he described as “far too high” taxes paid by Canadians. Trump proposed that if Canada were to join the U.S. as its 51st state, it would benefit from significant tax cuts, increased business opportunities, and heightened military protection.
Additionally, Trump voiced his views on Greenland, stating that the U.S. should maintain a strong presence in the region for national security purposes, alluding to the island’s strategic importance and hinting at future U.S. involvement.
These remarks from Trump build on previous statements about the Panama Canal, Canada, and Greenland, with the former president-elect having raised the possibility of U.S. ownership of Greenland and the annexation of Canada as part of broader security discussions. As he prepares to assume office on January 20, Trump’s messages signal that foreign policy and national security will be key themes in his presidency.