Trump Jokes About Coal During Christmas Eve NORAD Santa Calls

By Michael Katz
Wednesday, December 24, 2025

President Donald Trump joked about coal as he and first lady Melania Trump fielded questions from children across the country during the annual NORAD Tracks Santa calls Wednesday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida.

The president asked several young callers what presents they were excited about receiving, promising to prevent a “bad Santa” from infiltrating the nation. Addressing a 4-year-old from Oklahoma, he said: “We want to make sure that Santa is being good. Santa’s a very good person.” He also suggested a stocking filled with coal might not be so bad, adding: “Coal is clean and beautiful, remember that, at all costs.”

During the calls, Trump humorously engaged children in Kansas and North Carolina, noting Santa has a “serious appetite” for cookies and encouraging families to leave out treats. When an 8-year-old girl from Kansas expressed interest in Barbies, Trump responded: “You’ll get that—I’m sure.” He also told a North Carolina child: “Santa will be there in about five hours,” emphasizing the importance of staying healthy while awaiting the holiday delivery.

The NORAD Tracks Santa program, which began in 1955 after a misdialed phone number turned a cold call into a beloved tradition, continues to provide real-time updates on Santa’s sleigh each Christmas Eve through its hotline and website. The operation uses radar, satellites, and aerospace tools typically deployed for defense purposes but pivots to holiday cheer during the season.

Following the festive calls, Trump and Melania spoke with U.S. military service members stationed around the world, extending holiday greetings to those serving far from home.