President-elect Donald Trump sent a joyful message to Americans this holiday season, using his Truth Social platform to wish the country a “Merry Christmas” and convey his hopes for a peaceful year ahead.
In addition to his poignant statement, Trump posted a nostalgic holiday photo of himself and former First Lady Melania Trump from their 2018 official Christmas shot, taken six years ago. Along with the post, Trump shared a pre-recorded video in which he and Melania lauded the value of Christianity and thanked Americans for protecting and serving the country.
However, the flashback snapshot swiftly became the subject of online criticism, as Melania’s notable absence from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Christmas dinner stoked conjecture about the couple’s relationship. Social media quickly pointed out that the former First Lady was not seen with Trump throughout the Christmas festivities.
An account on X, formerly known as Twitter, called Republicans Against Trump, shared a video zooming in on Trump’s Christmas dinner table and posed a pointed question:
“What do you notice in this video of Trump at the Christmas party in Mar-a-Lago?” The resounding answer from users: “No Melania.”
The repurposed Christmas photo heightened the interest. Users on X weren’t shy about their criticism, with one saying, “Nice try, man. The snapshot is from 2018. “#WheresMelania,” someone wrote, resharing the photograph.
Melania’s minimal participation on the campaign trail in recent months has further fueled suspicion. Unlike previous election cycles, in which she appeared more frequently to support her husband, her absence has been noticeable this time around.
Despite the chatter, Trump remains focused on spreading his message of faith, unity, and hope for the future. His holiday greetings have resonated with supporters, but questions surrounding Melania’s absence linger, adding a layer of mystery to the couple’s public image.
As Trump prepares for his likely return to the White House, it’s evident that even a Christmas greeting can spark a tempest of conjecture and controversy in today’s hyper-connected digital world.
