Trump predicts polarizing year in fiery Christmas tirade
Amidst a turbulent legal landscape, Trump's Christmas rant hints at a divisive year ahead, diverging from the global trend of leaders advocating for peace and unity
Most global political, spiritual and national leaders mark Christmas with a plea for peace, or by stressing the virtues of family and unity.
Thats not Donald Trumps style.
The former president vented his anger and bitterness online, focusing on his legal troubles and expressing his intentions for the upcoming election in 2024, with particular hostility towards President Joe Biden and special counsel Jack Smith. He made untrue claims about his attempts to remain in power after the 2020 election, asserting that it was necessary for American democracy. His extreme rhetoric on immigration and views on presidential power have drawn criticism and raised concerns about potential autocracy if he were to win the next election.
Just three weeks before voting begins in the Republican nominating race, the leading candidate also emphasized the remarkable degree to which false claims about electoral fraud three years ago continue to be the foundation of his political agenda. His outbursts, during a time when Americans gathered with loved ones to celebrate Christmas and sought a moment of peace, suggest a deeply angry state of mind and extreme denial. These developments are likely to raise fresh concerns about his temperament and fitness to once again serve as commander-in-chief, and serve as a foreboding indication of what another Trump term could entail.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump spoke at a campaign rally at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center on December 17, 2023 in Reno, Nevada. The rally was part of his efforts to secure the Republican Presidential nominee for the 2024 election.
Trumps creating just the kind of legal chaos he wants for 2024
In one of his posts, Trump showed a mixture of anger and self-pity while making multiple false or questionable claims.
"On Christmas Eve, Trump accused his opponents of spying on his campaign, lying to Congress, cheating on FISA, rigging the presidential election, and allowing millions of people from prisons and mental institutions to invade the country. He also criticized Joe Biden's team, referencing a specific individual, and claimed that he was facing unprecedented levels of persecution. Trump continued his accusations on Christmas Day, blaming Biden for election interference and promising his supporters a victorious return to making America great again."
Trumps legal cloud hangs heavy over him
Trump's concern was evident as he faced numerous legal challenges surrounding his future, particularly those linked to alleged election interference. He criticized Smith, who is taking legal action against him in Washington, DC, and emphasized his legal team's assertion that his efforts to overturn the 2020 election were simply part of a president's duty to ensure a fair election. These assertions will be reviewed by an appeals court and likely the US Supreme Court. Trump also attacked the Colorado Supreme Court's decision to disqualify him from holding office based on the 14th Amendment's prohibition of insurrectionists. This case is also expected to reach the US Supreme Court.
Donald Trump greets the crowd at a campaign rally on December 16 in Durham.
Reba Saldanha/AP
Donald Trump urges federal appeals court to grant him immunity from criminal prosecution in election subversion case
Trump's assertions that he was acting within his presidential authority contradict the evidence of his own behavior. For example, in a phone call, he asked Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to "find" 11,780 votes and overturned Biden's victory in a crucial swing state. Additionally, the Detroit News reported on a call in which Trump urged Michigan county officials not to certify election results from Detroit in 2020.
Despite evidence indicating that Trump was willing to undermine American democracy in order to maintain power, his Republican presidential rivals have only indirectly criticized him for causing the most traumatic election in modern American history in 2020. For instance, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley disagreed with Trump's recent remark that described his political opponents as "vermin" and likened it to Nazi rhetoric. In a CNN town hall this month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis heightened his critiques of the former president but mainly focused on policy issues such as abortion, immigration, and the economy. Both Haley and DeSantis, who are vying to be the main alternative to Trump, have refrained from openly criticizing the former president over the events of January 6, 2021, highlighting the extent to which Trump's election fraud claims have become the mainstream belief for the grassroots GOP base.
Former Vice President Mike Pence and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who took a more aggressive approach in criticizing Trump's actions in 2020, have dropped out of the primary race after their campaigns failed to gain traction. Chris Christie's campaign, built around criticizing Trump's behavior, is barely making an impact outside of New Hampshire.
Trump has a history of using occasions like Christmas to further his political agenda, and has a well-known penchant for provocative social media posts. However, the current state of mind of the Republican front-runner leading up to next month's Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary is particularly significant, as polls indicate a strong chance of him defeating Biden in a potential 2024 match-up.
Many Americans continue to support Trump despite his controversial behavior and increasingly extreme views. If he becomes the Republican nominee, tens of millions more are likely to back his bid for a second term, aiming to make history as the second ex-president to win a non-consecutive second term. For these voters, Trump's appeal lies in his perceived successes during his presidency, as well as his attacks on established institutions and perceived elite experts. Some supporters are drawn to his authoritarian persona, viewing his transgressions as a compelling aspect of his leadership.
The potential for a significant number of voters to support Trump once again reflects the current state of American politics as the country approaches a new election. Regardless of the outcome, it appears that the nation will remain entrenched in a cycle of political anger and dislocation due to his behavior.
World leaders pray for peace at Christmas time
Trump's somber and gloomy demeanor during Christmas stands in stark contrast to the messages of other global leaders who emphasized the importance of peace and reconciliation during these turbulent times of conflict in various regions. In his annual Urbi et Orbi Christmas blessing, Pope Francis called for an end to the Israel-Hamas war and the release of Israeli hostages, urging for a halt to Israel's military operation and the devastating impact on civilian victims. King Charles of Britain also expressed concern about global conflicts in his Christmas Day broadcast, stating, "at a time of increasingly tragic conflict around the world, I pray that we can also do everything in our power to protect each other." Additionally, he added, "The words of Jesus seem more relevant than ever: Do to others as you would have them do to you."
Biden, who may be Trump's general election opponent next year, shared his own Christmas message to Americans on social media, conveying a far different tone from his predecessor. "This Christmas Eve, my wish for you and your family is that you take a few moments of quiet reflection and find that stillness that's at the heart of the Christmas story," Biden wrote. "May you find peace in this silent night. And warmth from those surrounding you."
On Monday afternoon, Trump was still angry. In a particularly strange and aggressive message, he wished "World Leaders, both good and bad, but none of which are as evil and sick as the THUGS we have inside our Country" a Merry Christmas. He ended with a final attack on Biden and Smith, saying "MAY THEY ROT IN HELL. AGAIN, MERRY CHRISTMAS!"
