WASHINGTON – Outgoing President Joe Biden and incoming President-elect Donald Trump delivered starkly different messages for Christmas, reflecting their divergent approaches to leadership and national unity.
In a Christmas Eve video tour of White House decorations, Mr. Biden called for Americans to embrace unity and compassion. “Too often, we see each other as enemies rather than neighbors, rather than fellow Americans,” he said in a reflective voiceover. He urged Americans to find a moment for “quiet reflection” to focus on dignity, respect, and shared blessings.
Mr. Trump, however, offered a politically charged holiday greeting. On Christmas Day, he posted a “Merry Christmas” message on Truth Social alongside a photo of himself and Melania Trump, followed by over two dozen retweets amplifying his political stances. Posts included commentary on Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, memes mocking past political opponents, and references to policy aspirations such as control over Greenland and the Panama Canal.
Biden, who chose not to run in 2024 to foster national unity, leaves office after facing a polarized political landscape. His successor, Trump, has signaled plans to reshape the federal government and pursue aggressive action against perceived political adversaries, fueling concerns over increasing divisions in the country.