Christmas under Donald Trump was marked by airstrikes abroad and political threats at home, showcasing the president’s vision of power rooted in grievance rather than peace. On Christmas Day, Trump ordered U.S. airstrikes in northern Nigeria, targeting alleged ISIS fighters, which he described as a “Christmas present” and retaliation for a “slaughter of Christians”. The strikes were announced amidst a backdrop of Trump and his aides emphasizing Christian faith, with the White House issuing a traditional message invoking God seven times.
Trump’s social media posts ditched usual holiday cheer, instead announcing military action and hurling insults at enemies. He branded political rivals “radical leftist scum” and warned Democrats to “enjoy what may be your last Merry Christmas”, hinting at upcoming revelations about Jeffrey Epstein. The administration leaned into Christianity, with the Pentagon hosting its first-ever Christmas Mass and Secretary of State Marco Rubio posting a nativity scene.
Critics saw the airstrikes as “political theater” aimed at energizing Trump’s evangelical base, while others praised it as a stand for Christianity. The move sparked debate on using military power and faith in politics.
