The President of the United States, Donald Trump, will spend Christmas Eve and Christmas celebrations at Mar-a-Lago, his private residence located in Palm Beach, Florida, according to the White House. As has happened on other occasions during his political career, the president chose to spend the holidays away from Washington and without public activities in the capital.
Trump left the city last Friday and moved to South Florida, where he is expected to remain at least until after the New Year’s celebrations. According to the official schedule, the president has no public events scheduled for December 25, Christmas Day.
Golf and traditional calls on Christmas Eve
The president’s Christmas Eve journey began with a round of golf, one of his favorite recreational activities, at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, owned by his organization.
Golf has been a constant in his visits to Florida, especially during vacation periods.
Later in the day, Trump is scheduled to participate in a tradition that dates back 70 years.
It involves answering calls from children contacting the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to inquire about Santa’s route.
This symbolic event has continued through several administrations and is one of the most recognizable public gestures of Christmas Eve in the United States.
In addition, the president plans to hold telephone conversations with U.S. troops deployed in different parts of the world.
In order to wish them happy holidays and thank them for their service, a common practice during the holiday season.
Mar-a-Lago, his political and personal refuge
Mar-a-Lago is an exclusive social club and resort that Donald Trump purchased in 1985.
During his first presidential term, between 2017 and 2021, the complex was frequently used as a temporary residence.
In addition, as a venue for political meetings and a meeting point for national and international leaders, it was nicknamed by the press as the “Winter White House”.
In recent days, Trump even held a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, where he announced plans related to the construction of new U.S. Navy ships to be named after him.
Christmas tradition in Palm Beach
During his previous presidency, Trump used to spend the holidays at Mar-a-Lago and attend services at Bethesda-by-the-Sea, an Episcopal church in Palm Beach with personal significance to the presidential family.
And that’s where he married the first lady, Melania Trump.
According to local newspaper The Palm Beach Post, this tradition has remained part of their routine during Christmas celebrations.
As the White House in Washington enters a festive lull, Mar-a-Lago once again becomes the center of Donald Trump’s informal operations, reaffirming the role this place has played in both his personal life and his political career.
Filed under: Trump on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
