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 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.” His 2023 message included: “Merry Christmas to all, including Crooked Joe Biden’s ONLY HOPE, Deranged [special prosecutor] Jack Smith, the out of control Lunatic who just hired outside attorneys, fresh from the SWAMP (unprecedented!), to help him with his poorly executed WITCH HUNT against ‘TRUMP’ and ‘MAGA,’” while going through legal scandals.
“Included also are World Leaders, both good and bad, but none of which are as evil and “sick” as the THUGS we have inside our Country who, with their Open Borders, INFLATION, Afghanistan Surrender, Green New Scam, High Taxes, No Energy Independence, Woke Military, Russia/Ukraine, Israel/Iran, All Electric Car Lunacy, and so much more, are looking to destroy our once great USA. MAY THEY ROT IN HELL. AGAIN, MERRY CHRISTMAS!” Trump said in 2023.
Social media users quickly identified the 2024 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. Her absence from the family’s 2023 Christmas photo at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, was particularly conspicuous.
The old photo started making the rounds on X. A user commented, “Nice try, bro. That photo is from 2018. #WheresMelania,” resharing the Christmas card.
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 Trump maintained a public presence at Mar-a-Lago’s Christmas dinner, media outlets and social media commentators noted Melania Trump’s absence.
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.
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 with the caption: “He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice, we’re gonna find out who’s getting deported by ICE…”
Vice President-elect JD Vance posted footage of himself baking cookies with his daughter.
Trump and his family are celebrating the holidays in Palm Beach at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, where he has been managing his post-election activities since winning in November.
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.
