Outgoing and incoming US presidents delivered starkly different messages for the Christmas holiday, reflecting the nation’s ongoing political divisions. Democrat Joe Biden called for unity and reflection, while Republican Donald Trump focused on political commentary and holiday greetings.
In his video tour of White House Christmas decorations on YouTube, late Christmas Eve, President Biden urged Americans to think more about what unites them than what divides them. In the video, Biden asked people to put aside the “noise” of divisiveness and encouraged the love and respect between citizens. “We’re here on this Earth to care for one another, to love one another,” he said, as the camera showcased the festive decorations. Biden added that Americans should view one another as neighbors, not enemies, and take time for “quiet reflection” to live with dignity and respect.
Conversely, Trump also posted a “Merry Christmas” with a photograph of himself with his wife, Melania. Subsequent posts were made as a line of political rhetoric retweets, which include articles concerning his defense of Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth and past Greenland and the Panama Canal interest. This included one that was just a meme targeting former President Barack Obama concerning his interaction in 2017 during inauguration.
Biden took over in 2021 as a promise to bridge political polarization. However, this seems to have been forgotten ahead of the 2024 presidential race as divisions widen between Biden and Donald Trump. While Biden spoke out to unite the United States, Trump’s campaign, which calls for their rivals’ prosecution, gives expression to the ongoing trend.
