Trump Engages with Kids on Christmas Eve, Keeping an Eye Out for "Bad Santa"

On Christmas Eve, President Trump participated in conversations with children, eagerly listening to their holiday wishes, tracking Santa Claus' journey, and humorously reminding a young one not to overlook Santa's notable hunger.

The Trumps, enjoying the festive period at Mar-a-Lago, took calls that were coordinated through the North American Aerospace Defense Command. This annual tradition, noted for receiving hundreds of thousands of calls, involved following Santa's global route.

When chatting with a 10-year-old from Oklahoma, who inquired how NORAD monitors Santa, President Trump explained, "We follow Santa worldwide to ensure he's behaving as he should."

He humorously added, "We also verify that Santa hasn't been replaced by a troublesome version. Fortunately, Santa passes our check!"

A 4-year-old from the same family asked for a dollhouse. President Trump humorously suggested that Santa would likely grant her wish, conveying optimism to her mother.

As Santa's sleigh moved over Sweden, the president assured an 8-year-old girl from Kansas that Santa would reach her home swiftly, estimating around an additional five hours.

Upon hearing her concern about coal as a gift, the president interjected with his well-known phrase, "You know, coal today is clean and beautiful!"

Other children requested unique gifts; a 10-year-old wanted an e-reader, and a 6-year-old dreamed of owning a pinball machine. Mr. Trump expressed his admiration for these choices and shared a pop culture reference linking pinball to music.

For the child wanting the e-reader, he remarked, "That's quite impressive, indicating a bright mind. America needs more sharp thinkers like you!"

Inquisitively, an 8-year-old from North Carolina asked if Santa might be displeased without milk and cookies left out. President Trump lightheartedly advised leaving the treats, noting Santa's "robust appetite."

Earlier, he suggested that while Santa wouldn't get angry, he might feel let down, hinting at Santa's round physique by suggesting he very much enjoys his snacks.

Since 1955, NORAD has been documenting Santa's festive travels, with many presidents handling some of the calls that come through. During the session, President Trump also contacted U.S. military personnel stationed away for the holidays.

Mr. Trump briefly mentioned the week's positive economic developments but noted that such topics likely weren't captivating for the children involved in the calls.