In a unique fusion of presidential duty and holiday spirit, former President Donald Trump participated in one of America’s most cherished Christmas traditions. On December 24th, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) celebrated the 70th anniversary of its Santa Tracker program, receiving unexpected assistance from the nation’s highest office.
The historic program, which originated from a misprinted newspaper advertisement in 1955, has evolved into a massive volunteer operation that fields hundreds of thousands of inquiries from children worldwide each Christmas Eve. This year’s milestone event featured President Trump personally answering calls from curious children seeking updates on Santa’s global journey.
The presidential participation represents a continuation of a White House tradition embraced by multiple administrations, though each brings their distinctive style to the seasonal ritual. NORAD’s tracker combines sophisticated military technology including radar systems, satellites, and fighter jets with thousands of volunteers working through the night at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado.
The program demonstrates how military infrastructure can be repurposed for heartwarming civilian engagement, bridging national security with childhood wonder. For seven decades, NORAD has provided real-time updates on Santa’s position, maintaining the magic of Christmas while showcasing American organizational capability and holiday generosity on a global scale.