In a Christmas message that goes far beyond the usual greetings, former US President Donald Trump has surprised both his supporters and critics. The tweet begins with the traditional words 'Merry Christmas' but quickly turns into a reckoning with his political opponents.
Trump calls the 'radical left scum' who supposedly do everything to destroy the country 'failing badly'. He lists a number of issues that are particularly close to his heart: closed borders, women in sports, transgender issues, and strong law enforcement. The tweet ends with a reference to the record high of the stock market, which can be seen as a reference to his economic policy successes.
The message has caused strong reactions on social media. While his supporters praise the clear words, his opponents criticize the tone and polarization that emanates from such statements. The Christmas season, which is normally considered a time of reflection and peace, thus becomes another battleground in the ongoing culture war in the USA.
It remains to be seen how this Christmas message will affect Trump's political future. One thing is certain, however: the former president has once again proven that he knows how to attract attention and influence public debate, even in the supposedly quiet time between the years.
