Trump's 2018 Christmas Call About Santa Claus Sparks Renewed Viral Interest
A 2018 video of former President Donald Trump questioning a child's belief in Santa Claus has recently gone viral, sparking a mixture of nostalgia and criticism.
A resurfaced video shows Trump asking a young girl about Santa Claus during a Christmas event, stirring varied reactions as he gears up for another presidential run, Mail Online reported.
In 2018, while serving as president, Donald Trump engaged in a festive tradition at the White House. The State Dining Room, decked out with lavish Christmas decorations and flanked by two large Christmas trees, served as the backdrop for an annual event where children could track Santa Claus through NORAD’s special program.
During this event, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump spoke to children calling in to inquire about Santa's whereabouts. One of these calls was with Collman Lloyd, a seven-year-old girl, creating a moment that would capture the public's attention years later.
Trump, known for his direct style, asked Collman, "Are you still a believer in Santa? Because at seven it’s marginal, right?" This query, aimed at a tender age when the magic of Christmas is still very much alive, was captured on video.
President’s Christmas Call Draws Attention Once More
The interaction did not end on a controversial note, however. Trump followed up his query with well-wishes, telling Collman, "Well, honey, happy Christmas, and you just take care of yourself and say hello to your family, OK? Say hello to everybody." Collman, whose reply was not clearly heard in the original video, later told reporters that she did indeed still believe in Santa.
Her response to President Trump's question, clarified in subsequent media coverage, was a simple "yes, sir," indicating that the spirit of Christmas was still very much alive for her. The Post and Courier caught up with Collman Lloyd, who expressed her astonishment at having had such a memorable interaction with the president.
Melania Trump, on her part, has often expressed how much she enjoys this annual tradition. On social media, she described the event as one of her favorite traditions, highlighting the joy it brings to children during the holiday season.
The Resurgence of a Presidential Christmas Moment
Trump supporters widely shared the resurfaced video, reminiscing fondly about his presidency. The video not only reminds viewers of past Christmases in the White House but also plays a role in the current political landscape as Trump prepares for another potential term.
However, not all reactions to the video have been positive. Some viewers have criticized the former president's approach, suggesting it was inappropriate to question a child's belief in Santa so directly, especially just before Christmas. These critics argue that such moments, while seemingly small, can affect the festive spirit of children.
Despite the criticisms, the video has undeniably caught the public’s attention once again, proving that moments from a presidency can continue to resonate years later. The discussion around it reflects the polarized views of Trump's tenure and his unique style of engaging with the public.
Tracking Santa: A Cherished White House Tradition
Several administrations have cherished the longstanding tradition of the NORAD Santa-tracking event. It offers a playful, engaging way for children to participate in Christmas celebrations at the national level.
Children from across the country typically call in to check on Santa's progress as he makes his global journey on Christmas Eve. The event delights children and fosters a sense of wonder and excitement during the holiday season.
The Trump administration embraced this tradition enthusiastically, with Melania Trump actively participating and promoting it as a highlight of her role during the festive season. The tradition aims to connect the White House with American families, spreading joy and festive cheer.