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On Christmas Eve from Mar-a-Lago, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania took calls on the NORAD Santa Tracker hotline, trading warm moments with kids, praising “clean, beautiful coal,” and making playful remarks about intelligence and state loyalties while keeping the tone light and upbeat.

The scene was classic holiday stuff: a president and first lady answering the phone for children who wanted to know if Santa was on his way. They made small talk, took wishes seriously, and added a bit of political flavor that fit with how the president talks about things he cares about. It was easygoing and sincere, with a few memorable lines that will be repeated around family tables. All of it felt like a blend of campaign-style swagger and seasonal cheer.

One memorable exchange came when a child asked for an e-reader and received a playful compliment. “That’s pretty good. You must be a high-IQ person. We need more high-IQ people in the country,” he replied. The line landed as both a compliment and a wink, the kind of quick banter that keeps the mood light and the kids smiling.

Another call showed an 8-year-old worrying she might upset Santa by skipping cookies, and the president reassured her with a gentle, joking assessment. “I think he won’t get mad, but I think he’ll be very disappointed,” said Trump. “Santa tends to be a little on the cherubic side.” That blend of humor and warmth made the conversation feel genuine, like a neighborly reminder rather than a political sound bite.

When a child in Kansas gave a one-word answer about what they wanted, the exchange turned into a mini-lesson in one of the president’s talking points. “Um, not coal,” the child replied. The president leaned into his long-standing defense of coal, answering plainly: “Not coal. No, you don’t want coal. You mean clean, beautiful coal. I had to do that, I’m sorry,” Trump said.

He doubled down with the sort of colorful language his supporters have come to expect, arguing for coal in a way that mixes policy and personality. “No, coal is clean and beautiful. Please remember that at all costs,” he added. “But you don’t want clean, beautiful coal, right? What would you like?” The answer shows how even a holiday call can become an opportunity to talk about energy priorities in a simple, direct way.

There was also a friendly shout-out to a state that was important to him politically, spoken with the casual warmth of a leader talking to citizens. “Santa loves you. Santa loves Oklahoma like I do. You know, Oklahoma was very good to me in the election. So, I love Oklahoma. Don’t ever leave Oklahoma, OK?” he said. That moment mixed gratitude with a homespun charm and underscored the personal touch he brings to public interactions.

The conversation even touched on the mechanics of the holiday operation, with a short, confident take on tracking the jolly fellow himself. “We track Santa all over the world. … We want to make sure that he’s not infiltrated — that we’re not infiltrating into our country a bad Santa,” he said. “We found that Santa is Good!” It was a playful nod to security concerns framed in a kid-friendly way that still reflects the seriousness with which he treats national safety.

Melania’s presence helped keep the calls grounded in family and tradition, offering a steady, smiling counterpart to the president’s riffs. Together they balanced showmanship and reassurance, turning brief phone calls into moments that felt personal and warm. For supporters, it was a reminder that holiday traditions can be political without losing their heart.

At its core, the NORAD calls were a chance to show a lighter side of leadership: answering questions, making kids laugh, and inserting a few signature phrases along the way. It’s the kind of high-visibility moment that sticks—part holiday ritual, part public relations, and all about connecting directly with families across the country. Those who watched saw a president comfortable in a familiar role: talking, joking, and making sure the kids on the line felt heard and special.

Darnell Thompkins is a conservative opinion writer from Atlanta, GA, known for his insightful commentary on politics, culture, and community issues. With a passion for championing traditional values and personal responsibility, Darnell brings a thoughtful Southern perspective to the national conversation. His writing aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and advocate for policies that strengthen families and empower individuals.

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