Over a decade ago, the ever-understated Donald Trump shared a Father’s Day greeting on social media that still makes waves today. With characteristic good humor, he wished not just the well-wishers, but even ‘the haters and losers’ a ‘Happy Father’s Day.’ A display of the unique wit and confidence that defines Trump, showing his strength amidst adversity.
Since then, Trump has continued this trend, integrating this light-hearted jest into a variety of holiday messages. His unique greetings never fail to grab attention, reflecting his persona that teems with a blend of audacity and amusing charm. Whether it’s Easter, New Year’s Eve, or even the deeply sobering day of September 11, his words bear that unmistakable Trump imprint.
Not one to be predictable, President-elect Trump decided to add a fresh dash of unpredictability to his Christmas message in 2024. His holiday wish started subtly, a simple greeting delivered through Truth Social. But what came next added a lot more spice to his public discourse.
Choosing to stay active on Truth Social for a good part of the day, Trump gifted the world a series of 40 posts regaling stories of his astute strategies and victories. Far from an ordinary Christmas day, he illuminated his followers with tales of how he ‘outsmarted’ known personalities like George Stephanopoulos, Joe Biden, and Barack Obama.
Rather than settle into a conventional holiday routine, Trump used his Christmas to celebrate and promote his dedicated team, the driving force behind every successful leader. It’s no surprise Trump chose to acknowledge their contributions, a reflection of his belief in teamwork and leadership.
In a remarkable display of his power to influence and inspire, he spoke about how he has led sports icon Wayne Gretzky to witness and acknowledge the strengths of his strategies. It’s a classic illustration of Trump’s powerful charisma that exceeds the realm of politics, reaching into other arenas like sports.
The pinnacle of the day was Trump’s lengthy discourse, where he opined on an array of subjects. Admittedly, the expanse of topics in this unexpected Christmas monologue dazzled even his most dedicated followers. Yet, in that eclectic mix of messages, the classic Trump personality shone through in every line.
The Christmas discourse may have subtly reminded one of a villain speech from a classic movie, but with a critical twist. Instead of signal threats and intimidation, as is typically expected, Trump’s musings were laced with plans of strategic geographical expansion. Mentioning prospective territories like the Panama Canal, Canada, and Greenland (so far), he displays an ambitious vision, a testament to his drive to push the boundaries of progress.
Observing Trump’s discourse, Backstage pointed out that successful villain monologues ‘persuade the audience—even only slightly—that the villain’s course of action makes sense’ and ‘that their nefarious deeds have cause.’ Much like this, Trump’s discourse seeks to persuade, not through threats or malice but through logic and strategic sense.
There was a depth to Trump’s words that speaks to his larger-than-life character. His unique way of reaching out to the public, even in holiday greetings, demonstrates an unyielding desire to connect, to inform, and to enthuse. Whether it was his unique punctuation skills, emphasis on ‘taxes,’ or free interpretation of quotation marks, his trademark style was on full display.
One critique often raised against the classic villain monologue is the attempt to draw parallels between the speaker and the listener, often articulated as ‘we’re not so different, you and I.’ Trump steered clear of this cliché. He’s not one to preach relatability. His life, his success and his experience stand unparalleled, and he invites us, not to relate, but to witness and learn.
If you were one of those spending the holidays diving into tales of global strategies and grand visions, Trump’s Christmas message would have come as a delightful surprise. His unique blend of humor, audacity and strategic insight were on full display, offering an engaging diversion from the usual holiday mundanity.
Of course, not everyone might relate to his Christmas message, much like his audacious approach to life and ambition. Donald Trump’s path has been unique, filled with triumphant victories that can appear as daunting as they are inspiring. Yet, even in the face of dissent and confusion, Trump’s personality continues to shine through.
Throughout the strengths, the strategies, and the criticisms, Trump remains unabashedly himself. His Christmas message served as yet another testament to his indomitable spirit. Within it were the elements that make Trump who he is — ambitious, audacious, and truly, uniquely human.
In this world of high stakes, where power and conflict are constantly intertwining, Trump’s message was a breath of fresh air. It was undeniably different, intense, and yes, even slightly enigmatic. But then, ‘different’ has always been Trump’s unique strength, and this Christmas was no exception.