After the Washington Post published a report raising objections, the Trump administration doubled down on using official government social media accounts to mark Christmas this year with explicitly Christian messages.
In a Dec. 27 article titled “Trump aides’ official religious messages for Christmas draw objections,” the Post framed the posts as a departure from recent government practice and focused on claims that the Christian messaging violated the principle of Church-state separation.
The article cited critics such as Rachel Laser of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, who argued that the overtly Christian posts on official channels amounted to government endorsement and promotion of one religion, Christianity, in violation of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.
Laser called the messages “one more example of the Christian Nationalist rhetoric the Trump administration has disseminated since Day One,” warning that they force citizens of diverse faiths to encounter proselytizing content when accessing government information, thereby alienating non-Christians and undermining America’s pluralistic character.
According to the Post, the messages contrasted with what it described as more secular holiday greetings common in previous administrations, which often emphasized general themes such as seasonal joy, peace, or Santa Claus imagery rather than Christianity.
The Post cited several examples of the administration’s Christmas posts.
An official White House Christmas statement said, “The First Lady and I send our warmest wishes to all Americans as we share in the joy of Christmas Day and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
The Department of Homeland Security posted multiple messages on X declaring “Christ is Born!” and stating, “We are blessed to share a nation and a Savior.” One DHS video included religious imagery such as a manger scene and crosses.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on his official account, “Today we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May His light bring peace, hope, and joy to you and your families.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted, “The joyous message of Christmas is the hope of Eternal Life through Christ.”
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, in a video message, referred to “the very first Christmas, when God gave us the greatest gift possible: the gift of His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.” Education Secretary Linda McMahon wished followers “a day filled with lasting memories as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.”
The Department of Labor posted the lyric “Let Earth Receive Her King.”
Other officials mentioned in the Post report included Justice Department Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, who also emphasized Christmas as the celebration of Christ’s birth.In response to the criticism, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson issued a statement to Fox News Dec. 29, saying, “While the Washington Post would prefer we stick to ‘Happy Holidays,’ we’re saying Merry Christmas again. And Christmas is a Christian holiday for millions of Christians celebrating the birth of their Savior, whether the Washington Post likes it or not.”
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