President Trump and first lady Melania Trump surprised kids who had called in to NORAD to find out where Santa Claus is.
The president and first lady were patched in to a handful of NORAD’s expected 150,000 Christmas Eve calls from the living room at Mar-a-Lago where the Trumps are celebrating their first Christmas in office.
‘What would you like more than anything?’ Trump was overheard asking a child named Casper from Virginia as members of the media briefly listened in.
President Trump grins at reporters as he’s patched in to calls from children directed at NORAD, which tracks where Santa Claus flies on Christmas Eve
In Mar-a-Lago’s lavish living room, first lady Melania Trump (left) and President Trump (right) field calls from kids
The president intently listens to a child, as he and first lady Melania Trump field calls directed to NORAD, which – for one night a year – tracks Santa Claus
First lady Melania Trump (left) is seen alongside her husband President Donald Trump (right) talking to children on Christmas Eve
First lady Melania Trump assured youngsters on the phone that Santa was on his way – though suggested he wouldn’t arrive until the kids went to sleep
First lady Melania Trump is photographed on the phone with a child on Christmas Eve, as the Trump family spends the holiday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida
Reporters were unable to hear Casper’s response, but the president gave the request away in his answer.
‘Building blocks. That’s what I’ve always like too,’ said the president, who was a successful real estate developer before jumping into politics. ‘I always loved building blocks,’ Trump continued.
‘Well, I predict Santa will bring you building blocks. So many you won’t be able to use them all,’ said the president, using his trademark bombastic language.
Speaking to another child, Trump was impressed by the boy’s Santa request.
‘So you want your grandma to get out of the hospital?’ Trump said. ‘That’s what your wish is?’
‘That’s great,’ the president continued. ‘That’s better than asking for some toy or something, that’s better right?’
One child told President Trump that he wanted his grandmother to get out of the hospital. The president was impressed
‘That’s great,’ the president continued. ‘That’s better than asking for some toy or something, that’s better right?’ Trump said of one boy’s Christmas request that his grandmother get better
President Trump (right) and first lady Melania Trump (left) answered some of NORAD’s calls – as children call into the Colorado-based command to find out where Santa Claus is
After his call with servicemembers, President Trump was spotted playing a round of golf at his Palm Beach golf course, which is located nearby his Mar-a-Lago resort
President Trump is pictured on a golf cart as he spent a part of Christmas Eve at his local golf club, which is located near his Mar-a-Lago resort
He then assured the young boy that grandma would be alright.
‘So your grandma’s gonna be good, OK? She’s gonna be good,’ the president said.
At another moment he told a child, ‘When you’re in Washington, you’ll come and see me.’
In total, the president chatted with 11 kids, while the first lady talked to ten.
‘How are you? Merry Christmas? Are you tracking Santa? Do you know where he is right now?’ the first lady was overheard saying.
She assured youngsters that Santa Claus was indeed en route.
‘As soon as you go to sleep, Santa will be there,’ she said.
Christmas Eve for the president – his first as such – was a mix of business and pleasure.
In the morning he spent time talking to service members over video conference.
He also lashed out at the media and the FBI in a series of tweets.
Then Trump went golfing.
He was then joined by first lady Melania Trump in Mar-a-Lago’s living room where the two took NORAD calls.
While President Trump has tried reverse his predecessor President Obama’s record, Sunday afternoon’s event was something first lady Michelle Obama happily participated in the years her husband was in office.
The president upped the ante by joining Melania Trump for the calls too.