Trump Takes Calls From Kids On Christmas Eve

[The White House, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons]
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump spent part of Christmas Eve fielding phone calls from children tracking Santa Claus as part of the annual NORAD Santa Tracker, a lighthearted tradition carried out from the couple’s holiday residence at Mar-a-Lago, noted The Hill. The president and first lady spoke with young callers from across the country, answering questions about Santa’s progress and listening to wish lists as Christmas approached.
Some of the calls were hilarious. In one exchange with a child from North Carolina who worried about forgetting to leave cookies for Santa, the president offered reassurance mixed with his usual humor.
“I think he won’t get mad, but I think he’ll be very disappointed. You know, Santa, he tends to be a little bit on the cherubic side,” Trump said. “Do you know what cherubic means? A little on the heavy side. I think Santa would like some cookies.”

The tone remained playful during a call with a child from Kansas who said they hoped Santa would not bring coal. Trump used the moment to joke about a fuel source he has long defended.
“Not coal, no you don’t want coal — you mean clean, beautiful coal. I had to do that, I’m sorry,” he said with a laugh. “No, coal is clean and beautiful. Please remember that at all costs,” he continued. “But you don’t want clean, beautiful coal, right? What would you like?”

During another call, Trump complimented a child from Washington who requested a Kindle, calling them “a high-IQ person.”

The first lady participated throughout the event, asking children about their gift requests and family members, and helping keep the conversations moving as calls came in.
Between calls, the president briefly addressed reporters, describing the experience as enjoyable. “This is fun, right?” he said at one point, adding, “This is America.” He remarked that he could continue taking calls from children “all day long,” before noting he needed to return to international matters involving Russia, China, Ukraine, and other countries.
The NORAD Tracks Santa program, which has operated for decades, allows children to call in or go online to receive updates on Santa’s journey as he delivers presents around the world, blending military technology with a seasonal dose of Christmas cheer.

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