Trump hails White House staff who have been 'with him from beginning' in surprise holiday address

WASHINGTON, DC: President Trump delivered an unexpected address on Monday, December 8, to White House staff, praising them for their hard work and consistency. 

The impromptu remarks drew enthusiastic cheers from those in attendance.

Earlier, first lady Melania Trump unveiled the holiday decorations for her family’s first Christmas back at the White House, showcasing her chosen theme, “Home Is Where the Heart Is.”

Donald Trump's praise for White House staff

Special Assistant and Communications Advisor Margo Martin took to X to share a special video capturing Trump’s heartfelt address to White House staff.

Trump began his remarks by recognizing the dedication of those who have worked alongside him, stating, “Many of you have been with me from the beginning including the first term.”

He continued by expressing his gratitude and warm wishes, saying, “We love you all, and I just want to wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Hanukkah.” 

The message was met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

The president then shifted to a lighthearted reflection on the years ahead, noting, “Nevertheless, we have 3 years and 2 months, in the Trump world you know what that is, a eternity.”

The audience responded once again with loud cheers and clapping in support of his remarks.

As he concluded his address, Trump joined the crowd in applause while the band played in the background, bringing the moment to a warm and celebratory close.

Paula White’s prayer and Trump's joke about his years in office

Trump invited Paula White, Senior Advisor to the White House Faith Office, from the crowd to offer a prayer.

Delivering her blessings, she said, "Father, we thank you for your goodness and your greatness is the miracle of life over President Trump, the miracle of your plan and purpose over this white house and over our generations and over America."

She further said, "Thank you for giving us our children back. Thank you for giving us our hope back, our dignity back, our prosperity back, our goodness back, and thank you for all of your blessings upon this nation that have been released by the people saying yes and recognizing President Trump and first lady."

And the crowd responded in unison, repeating after her, “Amen.”

Trump previously joked about his presidential years during the inaugural Christmas party of his second term on December 1, addressing those gathered with a message to supporters. 

He said, “I just want to let you know it’s an honor for me to be your president… We are going to do a great job. We have three years left, that’s an eternity.”

With a smile, Trump then added, “Three years with Trump is an eternity, that’s a long period of time.”

 The crowd cheered loudly as he repeated, “A long time.”