As the United States prepares to take on a new administration, outgoing President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have exchanged starkly contrasting Christmas messages, reflecting their different approaches and visions for the nation.
Biden calls for unity in final holiday message
In his final holiday message as president, Biden called for reflection and unity. In a video tour of White House Christmas decorations posted on YouTube, he urged Americans to put divisions aside. “We are here on this earth to take care of each other, to love each other,” he narrated as images of decorated trees and festive fireplaces played.
Biden also acknowledged the country’s polarization, saying, “Too often we see each other as enemies, not as neighbors.” Biden encouraged moments of “quiet contemplation” to inspire dignity, respect and unity, saying: “We are truly blessed to live in this nation.”
Trump delivers politically charged Christmas leaflets
In contrast, Trump’s Christmas Day posts on Truth Social included the phrase “Merry Christmas everyone!” Along with a photo of him and Melania. He also said, “This will be the best Christmas of our lives, because of what’s coming!” In one of his posts. This was followed by a series of politically charged posts, including retweets supporting his positions on issues such as controversial Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth and past ambitions such as acquiring Greenland.
One post included a satirical image mocking former US President Barack Obama, showing a photo of his 2017 inauguration with the caption, “When you see the man who said ‘You’ll never be president’ at your inauguration.”
“Merry Christmas to everyone, including China’s wonderful soldiers, who lovingly, but illegally, run the Panama Canal (we lost 38,000 lives building it 110 years ago), and always make sure the US invests billions of dollars.” “Dollars are ‘fix’ money, but you will have absolutely nothing to say about ‘anything,’” Trump said in another post.
Biden bows gently, and Trump returns with a combative agenda
Biden who stepped down 2024 presidential race In July in support of unity, it marked the end of his decades-long career with his call for civility. In contrast, Trump – who defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in November – continues to take a combative approach, pledging to prosecute political opponents and restructure the federal government.
With Biden coming out with a message of healing, Trump is preparing to return to the White House, becoming the second president in the history of the United States to serve non-consecutive terms. The inconsistency in their holiday messages underscores the ongoing political division as the nation moves into a new chapter.
