Donald Trump has posted his traditional rambling Christmas message calling out various foes, taunting adversaries, reiterating his desire for U.S. territorial expansionism — retaking the Panama Canal, incorporating Canada into the union, and buying Greenland.
A Danish official said an announcement that the country is boosting defense spending for Greenland, was an “irony of fate.”
Troels Lund Poulsen, the Danish defense minister, told the paper Jyllands-Posten Tuesday that the country plans to spend a “double-digit billion amount” in krone — about $1.5 billion — to make sure they have a “stronger presence” in the Arctic.
Trump said the “ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity” for the U.S., which operates a base in the territory’s northwest.
After seemingly joking about Canada becoming the “51st” state, the incoming president fired off ominous messages alleging the Panama Canal and Greenland pose serious economic and national security threats to the United States and might be targeted for some kind of annexation or purchase.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is reeling after an ethics committee report into former congressman Matt Gaetz “determined there is substantial evidence” that he paid tens of thousands of dollars for sex and used illicit drugs while he was a member of Congress.
Key Points
- Trump posts rambling Christmas Day greeting about US expansionism
- Trump promises to ‘vigorously pursue the death penalty’ in Christmas Eve message
- Greenland prime minister balks at Trump’s renewed play for territory
- Biden signs 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve - including legislation supported by Paris Hilton
- Denmark boosts funds for Greenland defense after Trump threats
Biden signs 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve
03:30
Oliver O'Connell
President Joe Biden spent Christmas Eve signing 50 bills into law, including one piece of legislation supported by Paris Hilton and another designating the bald eagle as the U.S. national bird.
The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, backed by Hilton, a socialite and activist, is designed to hold teenage treatment centers and care facilities accountable. Hilton spent time on Capitol Hill promoting the measure.
Gustaf Kilander reports.
GOP senator mocked for claiming Trump has brought Christmas ‘back in America’
02:30
Oliver O'Connell
GOP senator Tommy Tuberville has been mocked for claiming that Donald Trump brought Christmas “back in America.”
The Trump loyalist posted the festive message on social media platform X on Christmas Eve.
Rhian Lubin reports.
Trump trolls Canada in Christmas message by claiming ex-hockey star Wayne Gretzky should be PM – or governor
01:30
Oliver O'Connell
President-elect Donald Trump mocked Canada in his annual Christmas message by suggesting that the Trump-supporting ex-hockey star Wayne Gretzky be a candidate for prime minister “or governor.”
“I just left Wayne Gretzky, ‘The Great One’ as he is known in Ice Hockey circles,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Christmas Day. “I said, ‘Wayne, why don’t you run for Prime Minister of Canada, soon to be known as the Governor of Canada - You would win easily, you wouldn’t even have to campaign.’”
Gustaf Kilander reports.
Biden marks Hanukkah
00:49
Oliver O'Connell
Two years ago, Jill and I introduced the first-ever White House Menorah made from historic wood sourced from the foundation.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 26, 2024
As Hanukkah begins, it is displayed to make clear that the history of the Jewish life is woven into the fabric of America.
Like this menorah, it's… pic.twitter.com/3lj946yE0H
Trump’s net worth rose by billions this year despite legal challenges and wild stock market. Here’s what it is now.
00:30
Oliver O'Connell
President-elect Donald Trump’s net worth ballooned from $2.5 billion to $6.1 billion during a year marred by legal struggles and assassination attempts.
Trump’s majority stake in his social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group Corp (TMTG) the parent company of Truth Social, was the main driver of this growth.
The president-elect began the year with a net worth of about $2.5 billion, according to Forbes. That was a decrease from his previous term in the White House when it reached $4 billion. His net worth was not as volatile before he became the owner of a publicly traded company, the outlet noted.
Read more:
Trump aims dig at Obama in bizarre hour-long Christmas Day Truth Social posting spree
Wednesday 25 December 2024 23:45
Rhian Lubin
Donald Trump made a dig at former president Barack Obama as he went on a Christmas Day Truth Social posting spree.
The president-elect toned down his festive message this year, simply posting, “MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!” on Truth Social on Wednesday morning.
Soon after though, Trump reeled off 34 posts on his social media platform within a one-hour period, including a meme mocking Obama.
The meme featured a photo of the president-elect smirking at Obama during his 2017 inauguration, along with the caption: “When you see the guy who said ‘you’ll never be president’ at your inauguration.”
Read more:
Canal threats, money-laundering claims and a hotel battle: Trump’s long, weird history with Panama
Wednesday 25 December 2024 23:00
Josh Marcus
Donald Trump rattled North American diplomatic relations over the weekend with a threat to retake the Panama Canal, two and a half decades after the US transferred control of the vital global trade route to Panama.
In a series of posts on Truth Social, the president-elect accused the country of “ripping off” the US.
“Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way,” Trump wrote. “The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the US.”
Read more:
Trump tweets himself as dancing Santa
Wednesday 25 December 2024 22:53
Oliver O'Connell
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 25, 2024
Watch: Merry Christmas from Nancy Pelosi
Wednesday 25 December 2024 22:45
Oliver O'Connell
As we come together for this holiday season and observe our faith traditions, I pray for God's blessings on all. With gratitude to our military service members, essential workers and all of you, I wish you Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays with health, peace, love, and joy. -NP pic.twitter.com/AlbzSJ0miH
— Nancy Pelosi (@TeamPelosi) December 25, 2024
Biden slams Russia’s ‘outrageous’ Christmas Day attack on Ukraine
Wednesday 25 December 2024 22:31
Oliver O'Connell
The White House has released the following statement from President Joe Biden regarding Russia’s overnight aerial attacks against Ukraine:
In the early hours of Christmas, Russia launched waves of missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities and critical energy infrastructure. The purpose of this outrageous attack was to cut off the Ukrainian people’s access to heat and electricity during winter and to jeopardize the safety of its grid. Let me be clear: the Ukrainian people deserve to live in peace and safety, and the United States and the international community must continue to stand with Ukraine until it triumphs over Russia’s aggression. In recent months, the United States has provided Ukraine with hundreds of air defense missiles, and more are on the way. I have directed the Department of Defense to continue its surge of weapons deliveries to Ukraine, and the United States will continue to work tirelessly to strengthen Ukraine’s position in its defense against Russian forces.
‘It never left’: GOP senator mocked for claiming Trump has brought Christmas ‘back in America’
Wednesday 25 December 2024 22:15
Rhian Lubin
GOP senator Tommy Tuberville has been mocked for claiming that Donald Trump has brought Christmas “back in America.”
The Trump loyalist posted the festive message on social media platform X on Christmas Eve.
“Thanks to President Trump, Christmas is back in America,” Tuberville said. But the former football coach was widely mocked in the responses.
“When idiots say stupid things,” Democratic Party strategist Chris D. Jackson responded.
“Someone has been [at] the eggnog,” one person jibed.
Read more:
Watch: Doug Emhoff delivers Hanukkah message
Wednesday 25 December 2024 21:55
Oliver O'Connell
With @VP’s support, I’ve lived openly and proudly with Jewish joy over these past 4 years. Today, I rededicate myself to finding light in the darkness and spreading that light to others. Wishing everyone meaningful and happy Hanukkah! pic.twitter.com/J13fVAI6s1
— Douglas Emhoff (@SecondGentleman) December 25, 2024
A very MAGA Christmas: How Trump’s inner-circle are marking the holidays
Wednesday 25 December 2024 21:30
Rhian Lubin
Vowing to “never surrender,” cheering mass deportations, and claiming Donald Trump has “brought Christmas back to America” – this is how MAGA is marking the holidays this year.
Trump, perhaps surprisingly, has toned down his annual festive message, simply posting on Truth Social on Christmas morning: “MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!”
Last year Trump delivered a scathing Christmas message to President Joe Biden and Special Counsel Jack Smith where he wrote: “MAY THEY ROT IN HELL. AGAIN, MERRY CHRISTMAS!”
Read more:
Watch: Biden wishes Merry Christmas with stunning drone tour of White House decorations
Wednesday 25 December 2024 21:15
Oliver O'Connell
May our nation be blessed with the peace and light of the holiday season.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 24, 2024
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. pic.twitter.com/C1gBvivNKU
Trump names his ambassador to Panama
Wednesday 25 December 2024 20:55
Oliver O'Connell
Donald Trump has named his pick for US ambassador to Panama — a position that might have once merited a footnote but could in theory be especially important in the coming years given the president-elect’s demands for the return of the Panama Canal.
Here’s what Trump wrote on Truth Social:
I am pleased to announce that Kevin Marino Cabrera will serve as the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, a Country that is ripping us off on the Panama Canal, far beyond their wildest dreams.
Kevin is a fierce fighter for America First principles. As a Miami-Dade County Commissioner, and Vice Chairman of the International Trade Consortium, he has been instrumental in driving Economic growth, and fostering International partnerships. In 2020, Kevin did an incredible job as my Florida State Director and, this year, advanced our MAGA Agenda as a Member of the RNC Platform Committee.
Few understand Latin American politics as well as Kevin - He will do a FANTASTIC job representing our Nation’s interests in Panama!
Trump encourages Wayne Gretzky to run for PM of Canada — or Governor as he believes it will soon be
Wednesday 25 December 2024 20:45
Oliver O'Connell
Donald Trump is encouraging Canadian former professional ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister of Canada, noting that (at least in his mind) the position will soon be known as Governor of Canada.
Here’s what the president-elect had to say on Truth Social:
I just left Wayne Gretzky, “The Great One” as he is known in Ice Hockey circles. I said, “Wayne, why don’t you run for Prime Minister of Canada, soon to be known as the Governor of Canada - You would win easily, you wouldn’t even have to campaign.” He had no interest, but I think the people of Canada should start a DRAFT WAYNE GRETZKY Movement. It would be so much fun to watch!
Trump posts rambling long form Christmas greeting
Wednesday 25 December 2024 20:32
Oliver O'Connell
Just in case you thought Donald Trump was going to deliver a simple “Merry Christmas” as his holiday greeting, here’s what we’ve really been waiting for — a bizarre, rambling message to [checks notes] China’s soldiers, Justin Trudeau, the people of Greenland, and Radical Left Lunatics.
The president-elect also refuses to wish Merry Christmas to the “37 most violent criminals” pardoned by Joe Biden, instead telling them to “GO TO HELL.”
Here’s the two-part Truth Social post in full:
Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in “repair” money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about “anything.” Also, to Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada, whose Citizens’ Taxes are far too high, but if Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60%, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World. Likewise, to the people of Greenland, which is needed by the United States for National Security purposes and, who want the U.S. to be there, and we will!…
…Page 2: Merry Christmas to the Radical Left Lunatics, who are constantly trying to obstruct our Court System and our Elections, and are always going after the Great Citizens and Patriots of the United States but, in particular, their Political Opponent, ME. They know that their only chance of survival is getting pardons from a man who has absolutely no idea what he is doing. Also, to the 37 most violent criminals, who killed, raped, and plundered like virtually no one before them, but were just given, incredibly, a pardon by Sleepy Joe Biden. I refuse to wish a Merry Christmas to those lucky “souls” but, instead, will say, GO TO HELL! We had the Greatest Election in the History of our Country, a bright light is now shining over the U.S.A. and, in 26 days, we will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Biden signs 50 bills into law on Christmas Eve - including legislation supported by Paris Hilton
Wednesday 25 December 2024 20:16
Gustaf Kilander
President Joe Biden spent Christmas Eve signing 50 bills into law, including one piece of legislation supported by Paris Hilton and another designating the bald eagle as the U.S. national bird.
The Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act, backed by Hilton, a socialite and activist, is designed to hold teenage treatment centers and care facilities accountable. Hilton spent time on Capitol Hill promoting the measure.
This month, the Senate voted unanimously to support the bill, and it passed the House by a vote of 367 to 33. Biden signed the law Tuesday. Hilton, meanwhile, has expressed interest in possibly becoming an elected official.
Read more:
Trump wants to purchase Greenland. How would that actually work?
Wednesday 25 December 2024 20:00
John Bowden
The re-emergence of Donald Trump’s territorial ambitions related to Greenland has added another strange new wrinkle to the presidential transition process.
And while it’s highly unlikely that the president-elect will have any success in convincing the governments of either Greenland or Denmark to sever the ties between the European country and its autonomous North American territory, it’s worth looking into the process of how the U.S. acquires new territories — and how that territory could be classified.
Greenland has been tied to Denmark politically and culturally for more than a century. Perhaps not recognizing the strength of those ties, the United States has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring the land and its people; the first push by U.S. politicians to purchase Greenland began in 1867, led by then-Secretary of State William Seward.
Read more:
‘People people coordinated to lie about me,’ Matt Gaetz says
Wednesday 25 December 2024 19:30
Gustaf Kilander
This thread shows how people coordinated to lie about me. https://t.co/2s0XrUMZWq
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) December 25, 2024
Trump’s FCC chair sends ominous letter to Disney CEO: ‘Americans no longer trust the national news media’
Wednesday 25 December 2024 19:15
Alex Woodward
After Donald Trump threatened to strip ABC’s broadcast license and forced the network into a $15 million settlement, the president-elect’s pick to lead the Federal Communications Commission warned its parent company that Americans “no longer trust the national news media to report fully, accurately, and fairly.”
In a letter to Disney’s CEO Bob Iger, Brendan Carr lamented the “erosion in public trust” in news media, and suggested ABC was partially to blame.
Carr — who wrote Project 2025’s chapter on the FCC — said the agency would be “monitoring” ABC’s negotiations with local television stations that carry its programming.
Read more:
President and First Lady speak to service members ‘to share just how grateful we are for their courage and sacrifice'
Wednesday 25 December 2024 19:07
Gustaf Kilander
There's a true selflessness in giving up a seat at your Christmas table to defend your country.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 25, 2024
This Christmas, Jill and I spoke with service members serving around the world to share just how grateful we are for their courage and sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/1pAi1HYdCB
Trial of man accused in Trump assassination attempt in Florida pushed back to September
Wednesday 25 December 2024 18:56
AP
A man accused of attempting to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump in South Florida won’t be tried until September 2025, a federal judge ruled this week.
Ryan Routh’s trial will begin Sept. 8 instead of the previously scheduled Feb. 10, 2025 start date, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon said in an order released on Monday.
Routh, 58, a Hawaii resident, has pleaded not guilty.
Routh’s attorneys had asked the judge to delay the trial until no earlier than next December, saying they needed more time to review the evidence against him and decide whether to mount an insanity defense.
Routh owned 17 cellphones and numerous other electronic devices, and there are hundreds of hours of police body camera and surveillance videos that have been provided to the defense, Routh’s attorneys argued during a hearing two weeks ago in Fort Pierce, Florida.
In her order, Cannon said she wanted to err on the side of providing more time given the seriousness of the allegations, but that starting the trial no earlier than December would be an excessive amount. A September trial date didn’t amount to an “unreasonable delay,” she said.
The judge said that any insanity defense or any request related to Routh’s mental competency must be made by early February. Any visit to the scene of the assassination attempt must be made by the end of February.
Prosecutors say Routh methodically plotted to kill Trump for weeks before aiming a rifle through the shrubbery as Trump played golf on Sept. 15, 2024 at his West Palm Beach country club. Before Trump came into view, Routh was spotted by a Secret Service agent. Routh allegedly aimed his rifle at the agent, who opened fire, causing Routh to drop his weapon and flee without firing a shot. Prosecutors say he left behind a note describing his intentions.
He was arrested a short time later driving on a nearby interstate.
Routh’s charge of attempted assassination of a major presidential candidate carries a potential life sentence in the event of a conviction. Other charges include assaulting a federal officer and three firearms counts. He is being held without bail at the federal jail in Miami.
Routh’s arrest came two months after Trump was shot and wounded in the ear in an assassination attempt during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service acknowledged failings leading up to that shooting but has said security worked as it should have to thwart the potential Florida attack.
Trump’s Ukraine-Russia envoy slams Kremlin’s Christmas Day attack
Wednesday 25 December 2024 18:47
Gustaf Kilander
Trump’s chosen Ukraine-Russia envoy, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, slammed Russia’s Christmas Day attack on Ukraine in a post on X.
“Christmas should be a time of peace, yet Ukraine was brutally attacked on Christmas Day,” he said. “Launching large-scale missile and drone attacks on the day of the Lord’s birth is wrong. The world is closely watching actions on both sides. The U.S. is more resolved than ever to bring peace to the region.”
John Bolton warns: I’m ‘very worried’ about how Trump would handle ‘much more likely’ international crisis
Wednesday 25 December 2024 18:30
Katie Hawkinson
John Bolton, President-elect Donald Trump’s former national security adviser, said that an international crisis is “much more likely” during the Republican’s second term.
Bolton, who served as Trump’s national security adviser from 2018 to 2019, told The Guardian the president-elect has an “inability to focus” and bases his decisions on personal relationships and “neuron flashes.”
“It’s typical Trump: it’s all braggadocio,” Bolton told the outlet. “The world is more dangerous than when he was president before. The only real crisis we had was COVID, which is a long-term crisis and not against a particular foreign power but against a pandemic.”
Read more:
Matt Gaetz sends fundraising message after bombshell House Ethics report: ‘I need your help’
Wednesday 25 December 2024 17:45
Alex Woodward
Hours after the publication of a bombshell report revealing “substantial evidence” that Matt Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars for sex, including with a 17-year-old girl, the former congressman issued a fundraising plea through his recently launched political action committee.
Gaetz — who was Donald Trump’s first pick for U.S. attorney general — is accused of violating federal and state laws against statutory rape, prostitution, illicit drug use and abusing the power of his office.
The results of a years-long House Ethics Committee investigation is a “sham witch hunt — just like the ones they conducted against President Trump,” Gaetz said in an email through his Florida Firebrand PAC Monday.
Read more:
Aspiring MAGA congresswoman performs mock ‘execution’ of migrant in disturbing campaign video
Wednesday 25 December 2024 17:00
Mike Bedigan
Aspiring congresswoman and controversial MAGA cheerleader Valentina Gomez has sparked outrage once again after posting a video in which she appears to simulate executing an immigrant.
The 25-year-old, who tried and failed to be elected as the Missouri Secretary of State earlier this year, said in the disturbing clip that undocumented persons who committed violent crimes “deserve to be ended.”
In the video, posted to X on Monday, Gomez is seen firing a handgun into the back of the head of a dummy tied to a chair with a black bag over its head.
Read more:
Watch: Stephen A. Smith reverses position on President-elect Donald Trump
Wednesday 25 December 2024 16:15
Gustaf Kilander
Nigel Farage willing to work with Lord Mandelson to secure Trump trade deal
Wednesday 25 December 2024 15:30
Archie Mitchell
Nigel Farage has said he would be willing to help incoming ambassador to the US Lord Mandelson negotiate with the Trump administration.
Labour peer Lord Mandelson has indicated he believes the Reform UK leader, a friend of Mr Trump, could serve as a link between the British Government and the Republican president-elect.
Downing Street would not be drawn on whether Sir Keir Starmer would like Lord Mandelson to work with Mr Farage, saying when asked only that the Prime Minister had “already started to begin to build a relationship with President-elect Trump”. But No10 insiders have made clear Mr Farage will not be being used as a bridge between Sir Keir and Mr Trump.
Read more:
Trump issues unusually short Christmas message
Wednesday 25 December 2024 15:02
Gustaf Kilander
From halibut and hot dogs to unlikely friendships: This is what happens inside the Senate lunch room
Wednesday 25 December 2024 14:45
Eric Garcia
During President Joe Biden’s final major address on the economy, he did what he does best: wax poetic about the old days of the United States Senate, the institution that defined him. He told an especially instructive story about when he returned to the Senate as vice president and went into the Senate dining hall, where a central dining room table used to stand. That’s were Democrats and Republicans would once meet and talk.
“You walk in — a long table sitting, I guess, 16, 18 people on the right, parallel with the table,” he said. “And you walk through an archway, and there was a table going the other way. One was the Democratic table. One was Republican table. And when there weren’t enough to sit at any one table, then they all sit together.”
Read more:
Denmark boosts defense spending for Greenland following Trump’s ‘ownership’ comments
Wednesday 25 December 2024 14:22
Gustaf Kilander
Denmark is boosting defense spending for Greenland. A Danish official said Tuesday that the timing of the announcement, coming as President-elect Donald Trump made comments that the U.S. should own the territory, was an “irony of fate.”
Troels Lund Poulsen, the Danish defense minister, told the paper Jyllands-Posten Tuesday that the country plans to spend a “double-digit billion amount” in krone — about $1.5 billion — to make sure they have a “stronger presence” in the Arctic.
Trump said Sunday that the “ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity” for the U.S. The U.S. military operates a base in northwest Greenland.
The president-elect’s comments are an expansion of what he said during his first term, when he suggested that the U.S. buy Greenland.
“Greenland is ours,” the territory’s Prime Minister Múte Egede said in response on Facebook Monday. “We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our years-long struggle for freedom. However, we must continue to be open to cooperation and trade with the whole world, especially with our neighbours.”
Texas buys billboards in Central America warning migrants of danger of rape and abuse on journey to US
Wednesday 25 December 2024 14:00
Alex Woodward
The state of Texas is paying an estimated $100,000 to install on blunt and at-times graphic billboards across Mexico and Central America in the coming weeks in the hopes of deterring future illegal immigration.
The Independent’s Josh Marcus reports:
Trump calls for death penalty against violent offenders
Wednesday 25 December 2024 13:00
Josh Marcus
The political fallout remains ongoing for Joe Biden’s decision to commute the sentences of most people on federal death row to life in prison.
In a Truth Social post on Tuesday, Donald Trump promised to “vigorously” pursue the death penalty against violent offenders.
“As soon as I am inaugurated, I will direct the Justice Department to vigorously pursue the death penalty to protect American families and children from violent rapists, murderers, and monsters,” Trump wrote. “We will be a Nation of Law and Order again!”
Trump oversaw a historic 13 federal executions in office, the most of any modern U.S. president.
Here’s more on the Biden commutations.
‘Confused’ congresswoman tracked to nursing home shines spotlight on troubling aging issues facing lawmakers
Wednesday 25 December 2024 12:00
Alex Woodward
The discovery by a local newspaper of a “confused” Texas Republican congresswoman living in an assisted care facility after she dropped out of sight last month has triggered concerns about aging lawmakers clinging to their powerful roles in the face of fears about diminishing competence.
The Independent’s John Bowden reports:
Trump’s FCC nominee sends ominous letter to Disney CEO: ‘Americans no longer trust the national news media’
Wednesday 25 December 2024 11:00
Alex Woodward
After Trump threatened to strip ABC’s broadcast license and forced the network into a $15 million settlement, the president-elect’s pick to lead the Federal Communications Commission warned its parent company that Americans “no longer trust the national news media to report fully, accurately, and fairly.”
In a letter to Disney’s CEO Bob Iger, Brendan Carr lamented the “erosion in public trust” in news media, and suggested ABC was partially to blame.
Inside Trump’s latest fight with the media, and what Carr – a Project 2025 co-author — plans to do in office:
