Christmas Eve found President Trump connecting with American service members stationed around the globe, a tradition steeped in gratitude and holiday cheer. The calls, intended to offer thanks and a festive greeting, quickly took on a distinctly Trumpian tone.
During the video conferences, the President highlighted a recent financial boost for the troops – a $1,776 bonus. He emphasized the tax-free nature of the payment, stating they had “earned it,” and that distribution had been swift in time for the holiday.
The conversation wasn’t solely focused on the bonus. Trump also spoke of the nation’s economic standing, attributing a surge in revenue to recently implemented tariffs. He painted a picture of a country benefiting from these financial gains.
Six different units, representing each branch of the U.S. military, participated in the calls. Among them were members of the Army’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team and the 34th Infantry Division, currently stationed in Iraq. The President also extended his gratitude to the crew aboard the USS Gerald Ford, patrolling the Caribbean Sea.
A simple “Merry Christmas” and heartfelt thanks were offered to each group, a gesture meant to convey appreciation for their service and sacrifice during the holiday season. The atmosphere, however, was soon to be disrupted.
Midway through one of the calls, the connection abruptly failed. An aide quickly informed the President, explaining they were working to restore the link. The screen went blank, and the audio cut out, leaving an awkward silence.
Visibly irritated, Trump reacted with suspicion. Rather than attributing the technical difficulty to a simple malfunction, he speculated, “I think that’s the enemy doing it.” The comment injected an unexpected note of tension into the festive exchange.
The abrupt disconnection, and the President’s immediate response, underscored a moment of unusual drama during what was intended as a gesture of holiday goodwill towards those serving far from home.
