A Little Holiday Banter: Trump Jokes About Santa's Cookie Habits During NORAD Call

It's that magical time of year again, when children around the globe eagerly await Christmas morning and the arrival of Santa Claus. And for decades, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has played a unique role in this festive anticipation, meticulously tracking Santa's journey across the world.

This year, as the beloved NORAD Tracks Santa tradition unfolded, former President Donald Trump joined in, taking a moment to connect with one of the many hopeful young callers. What transpired was a rather amusing, characteristic exchange that undoubtedly brought a smile to listeners.

During his call, Trump engaged with a child named Coleman, reportedly from New York. And as the conversation naturally veered towards the jolly man in red, Trump couldn't resist injecting a bit of his signature humor. He quipped that Old Saint Nick, with his undeniable fondness for sweet treats, tended to be "a little on the chubby side." A truly memorable, albeit playful, observation!

But the former president didn't stop there. He elaborated, suggesting that Santa's robust build was probably thanks to "all that good stuff" he consumes – yes, you guessed it, those countless cookies left out by well-meaning children on Christmas Eve. It was a lighthearted, almost conspiratorial moment between Trump and the young caller, sharing a chuckle about Santa's legendary appetite.

Of course, the call wasn't just about playful teasing. Trump also made sure to extend warm holiday wishes, telling Coleman, "Merry Christmas, Coleman!" It's a sweet, personal touch that reminds us of the true spirit of the season, even amidst political back-and-forth.

This presidential tradition, by the way, dates back surprisingly far. It all began with a delightful accident in 1955 when a misdialed phone number to a Colorado Springs newspaper ad ended up connecting children directly to the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), NORAD's predecessor. The quick-thinking colonel on duty, Harry Shoup, played along, confirming Santa's whereabouts, and thus, a cherished holiday custom was born. Presidents ever since have often taken part, adding their own unique flair to the festive calls.

So, whether you believe Santa's a little cherubic or perfectly svelte, one thing's for sure: the NORAD Santa Tracker remains a heartwarming fixture of the holiday season, and occasionally, it brings out some truly unforgettable, human moments.