Former President Donald Trump caused a stir on social media when he posted a six-year-old White House Christmas portrait on Truth Social, featuring himself and former First Lady Melania Trump from their 2018 holiday celebrations. Reusing the dated photograph gained attention as Melania Trump was noticeably absent from subsequent Christmas celebrations at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.
“MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!” Trump posted alongside the recycled image, marking a departure from his more confrontational 2023 message when he wished government “thugs” to “rot in hell.”
Social media users quickly identified the photograph as the couple’s 2018 official Christmas portrait, leading to widespread discussion about Melania Trump’s current public profile. The former first lady’s absence from recent campaign events and public appearances has fueled speculation about the couple’s relationship.
The recycled photo accompanied a pre-recorded video message in which Donald and Melania Trump paid tribute to Christianity and thanked Americans who keep the U.S. safe. However, using older footage alongside the dated photograph intensified public interest in Melania Trump’s current role in the president-elect’s political activities.
While the former president maintained a public presence at Mar-a-Lago’s Christmas dinner, media outlets and social media commentators noted Melania Trump’s absence. The contrast between the formal 2018 portrait and current holiday celebrations sparked discussions about changes in the Trump family’s public dynamics since leaving the White House.
A separate Trump family gathering was documented when Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald Trump Jr.’s fiancée, shared a current holiday portrait featuring multiple generations of the Trump family, including a notably tall Barron Trump. This contemporary family photo stood in contrast to the recycled portrait posted by the former president.
The Trump Organization simultaneously promoted holiday merchandise through its online store, offering MAGA-themed Christmas items, including teddy bears, hat ornaments, and Trump gold wrapping paper. This commercial activity continued despite the growing social media discussion about the family’s holiday photographs.
Other Trump family members maintained active social media presences throughout the holiday. Donald Trump Jr. shared an AI-generated meme depicting his father as Santa Claus at the border, while Vice President-elect JD Vance posted footage of himself baking cookies with his daughter.
Meanwhile, outgoing President Joe Biden delivered his final holiday message as president, focusing on themes of “dignity and decency” as his administration prepares for transition.
