Trump and Melania join NORAD Santa-tracking; 2018 Santa remark contrasts with later holiday outreach
President Trump and First Lady Melania joined NORAD's Santa-tracking, hosting children from Mar-a-Lago during the holidays, while 2018 remarks about Santa drew controversy afterward again.
Overview
The events revolve around NORAD's Santa-tracking program, a longstanding tradition described as involving holiday calls to children, reportedly from the Mar-a-Lago setting, during the festive season.
The 2018 remark about Santa drew controversy, highlighting how the president's comments can shape public perception of festive outreach initiatives.
The events hinge on NORAD's Santa-tracking program, a longstanding tradition described as involving holiday calls to children, reportedly from the Mar-a-Lago setting, during the festive season.
The 2018 remark about Santa drew controversy, highlighting how the president's comments can shape public perception of festive outreach initiatives.
Later holiday calls were described as avoiding similar remarks, suggesting a strategic shift in messaging during public holiday outreach efforts.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by highlighting the juxtaposition of President Trump's jovial interactions with children and his politically charged remarks. The language choices emphasize his playful demeanor with kids, while also noting his continued use of divisive rhetoric. The structure balances light-hearted moments with references to his past criticisms, creating a narrative of contrasting tones.
Sources (5)
FAQ
NORAD Tracks Santa is a tradition started in 1955 when a child accidentally called the CONAD operations center thinking it was Santa; Colonel Harry Shoup began tracking Santa, and it continued under NORAD since 1958, providing updates on Santa's location worldwide.
In 2018, President Trump questioned children's belief in Santa during a holiday call, saying 'He’s getting close... He’s already dropped his North Pole contingent up there,' which drew controversy for undermining the magic of Santa.
President Trump and First Lady Melania joined NORAD's Santa-tracking by hosting children from Mar-a-Lago and making holiday calls, contrasting with the 2018 controversy.
From a 1955 accidental call during the Cold War, it grew into a global event with a website receiving 15 million visitors, 130,000 hotline calls, supported by volunteers and corporate sponsors.
The 2018 Santa remarks caused controversy, but later calls from Mar-a-Lago avoided similar comments, indicating a strategic shift in public holiday messaging.
History
This story does not have any previous versions.