UPDATE: In a festive surprise, President Donald Trump engaged directly with children during a Christmas Eve call with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), where he humorously declared coal to be “beautiful.” The calls, which began at 5:00 PM EST on December 24, 2025, included lighthearted exchanges that quickly captured the attention of social media.
During one call, Trump asked a young girl named Amelia from Kansas what she wanted Santa to bring her. When she expressed her desire for anything but coal, Trump quipped, “Not coal? No, you don’t want coal … You mean, clean beautiful coal. I had to do that, I’m sorry,” sparking laughter. This playful banter came amid the longstanding tradition of NORAD tracking Santa’s journey, a practice upheld since 1955.
The president, joined by First Lady Melania Trump, took multiple calls throughout the evening, often weaving in references to his political achievements. “Pennsylvania is great, we won Pennsylvania, actually three times,” he told a 5-year-old from the state, proudly noting his narrow victory in the battleground during the 2024 election.
The moment quickly went viral, especially when Trump commented on another young girl’s voice, calling her “so beautiful and cute.” He added, “You sound so smart,” highlighting his engagement with the children.
Trump’s comments about coal are reflective of his administration’s ongoing push for fossil fuels as a key energy source. His remarks about “clean beautiful coal” align with his agenda to enhance U.S. energy production, despite the traditional association of coal with naughty children.
In a whimsical exchange, Trump reassured a child from North Carolina concerned about Santa’s cookie situation, stating, “I think he won’t get mad, but he’ll be very disappointed. Santa tends to be a little bit on the cherubic side.” He encouraged the child to leave cookies for Santa, noting, “I think Santa has a serious appetite.”
The calls were broadcast live on C-SPAN, engaging millions across the nation. Each year, NORAD’s Santa Tracker allows children to connect with the holiday spirit while tracking Santa’s journey around the globe.
In addition to the festive fun, Trump also touched on serious issues. He explained to another child why NORAD tracks Santa, saying, “We want to make sure that Santa is being good—that Santa is a very good person.” This remark drew attention to his administration’s focus on national security, linking the playful conversation to broader themes of vigilance and safety.
According to the White House, over 605,000 people have been deported from the U.S. since Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, emphasizing the ongoing complexities of immigration policies under his administration.
As the evening unfolded, these calls blended charm and political commentary, captivating viewers and igniting conversations online. The juxtaposition of holiday cheer and political discourse is sure to resonate as families celebrate Christmas across the nation.
Stay tuned for more updates as the holiday season progresses, and watch for reactions from families and political commentators alike as Trump’s Christmas call continues to make waves.
