Instagram/@realdonaldtrump
President Donald Trump issued a very simple holiday greeting in which he openly declared that the Christmas language had returned. The letter from the past and current president read, ‘We are back to MERRY CHRISTMAS!’ The photo of Trump taken in a Christmas-decorated room with a portrait of Abraham Lincoln behind, the message quickly drew a huge number of reactions that reflected the deeply divided political atmosphere that still forms his public image.
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To be sure, the post appeared to be merry, but it was chiefly a cultural signpost for the president’s supporters, a reiteration of the ‘War on Christmas’ rhetoric that became so typical during his first term. It’s a post with one phrase that instantly changes into a battleground for narratives about his administration and legacy to vie for attention. Supporters were with him declaring it to be a victory for conservatism, while detractors included it in their reproach that was just carried over through a new wave.
The comments were very fast and widely different in the response section. One guy, who acted as Abraham Lincoln, wrote, ‘Wonderful news Mr. President! I can see my picture is still looking great.’ The funny remark by ‘everydaylincoln’ drew a variety of responses, both humorous and harsh, in a reply thread of its own; one critic remarked, ‘Still idolizing big, sweaty, pumpkin-colored monsters!’
Global SOSs were also quite common. A comment in Portuguese said, ‘Socorro, socorro @realdonaldtrump, precisamos de sua ajuda por favor,’ which translates to ‘Help, help @realdonaldtrump, we need your help please.’ This demand, most likely coming from a Brazilian supporter, initiated a thread in which other users jokingly tagged the Brazilian federal police, thus implying how the internal political quarrels of other nations are often linked with Trump.
A section of the audience gave more than encouraging reaction. ‘MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THE BEST PRESIDENT!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP!!!!’ was a message from one of them. Another supporting voice was, ‘Best president ever button ➡️.’ Still, these proselytizations were almost always matched by their own reply threads. The ‘best president’ claims were met with rejoinders like, ‘He is a felon, shameful president, pdf, and terrible human being’ and more scientifically framed criticisms like, ‘You need to get caught up with the facts! He is polling in the NEGATIVES—He is officially THE WORST PRESIDENT EVER!’
The underlying political and geopolitical context of the holidays was not left unobserved. One person rightly noted, ‘Surprised he’s not celebrating Hanukkah,’ a comment that initiated a heated debate on antisemitism, Israel, and the ongoing war in Gaza. Another comment referred to the situation in a very direct way, saying, ‘The ceasefire in Gaza is still being violated. We appeal to the countries that give the guarantees… Do not stop talking about Palestine.’ The juxtaposition of an American festive greeting with global crises of humanitarian concern served to bring out the international perspective that has become associated with Trump’s messages.
Even the visual elements of the photo were subject to scrutiny and criticism. One commenter asked, ‘Are those bleach stains on the suit?’ inviting speculation about lighting or an unspecified, unfounded rival politician. Meanwhile, a completely unconcerned comment simply said, ‘This senile old coot doesn’t know where he is,’ which is akin to the age and competence attacks that are frequently directed at his current political opponent. This dynamic is reminiscent of the controversy surrounding Stormy Daniels.
The post also served as a platform for the more general ideological skirmishes. A disparager prophesied, ‘Pretty sure your picture will be in the basement when you are gone,’ and a backer responded, ‘when he is gone his successors will no longer put woke leftist LGBTQ propaganda in the white house. So, that’s why I guess u are mad at him.’ This exchange perfectly illustrated the perceived cultural ramifications for many who participate in online discourse.
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Ultimately, Christmas greetings from President Donald Trump for four words could do exactly the same as most of his communication: it was a strong emblem that connected his supporters around the same common cultural identity and, at the same time, created a counterforce among his adversaries. A deluge of verbal exchanges that included everything from honest thanks and global pleas for help through fierce insults and political activism to pro and against the president’s coalitions was vivid proof that there is no neutral ground. In the information age, even wishing someone ‘Merry Christmas’ is a politically charged statement with party-related repercussions. Recent policy discussions, such as Trump’s promise of 2000 dividend payments, often fuel these divisions. The political landscape also includes figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene, whose relationship with Trump has been volatile. Meanwhile, supporters like Nicki Minaj celebrate his accomplishments, while his broader economic proposals, including a 2000 tariff dividend for middle and low income Americans, continue to generate debate.
This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider
