Trump praises child’s Kindle wish, says ‘we need more high-IQ people’ on NORAD call

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Donald Trump and Melania Trump spent part of Christmas Eve talking with children from across the country. They took part in the annual NORAD Santa Tracker calls as Santa Claus traveled around the world.

During one call, a child said they hoped Santa would bring them a Kindle. Trump responded by saying the child must have a high level of intelligence (IQ). He then added that the country needs more people with high IQs and continued to answer more questions.

Trump praises a child’s gift choice during NORAD Santa calls

Donald Trump took part in the NORAD Santa Claus hotline on Christmas Eve. He spoke with children from different parts of the country. Melania also joined the calls and interacted with young callers.

Several children asked questions during the event. One particular call drew attention. A child told the president they were hoping Santa would bring them a Kindle (an e-book for reading). 

Trump appeared impressed by the answer. He responded by saying the child must be very intelligent. He added, “That’s pretty good. You must be a high-IQ person. We need more high-IQ people in the country.”

During the NORAD Santa Tracker calls, he discussed a wide range of topics with children. The annual event is designed to be light-hearted and festive. It allows children to track Santa’s journey around the world as he delivers gifts.

Questions from kids that sparked Trump’s viral responses 

Trump and Melania took calls from children at Mar-a-Lago, answering questions about Christmas wishes. During one call, Trump asked an eight-year-old girl what she wanted for Christmas. 

She replied, “Um, not coal.” Trump jumped at the opportunity to respond, saying, “Not coal. No, you don’t want coal. You mean clean, beautiful coal. I had to do that, I’m sorry,” adding, “Coal is clean and beautiful. Please remember that at all costs. But you don’t want clean, beautiful coal, right? What would you like?”

Another child from North Carolina asked if Santa would be upset if she forgot to leave cookies for him. Trump said, “I think he won’t get mad, but I think he’ll be very disappointed,” joking that Santa is 'a little on the cherubic side.'

In a call with a child from Oklahoma, Trump praised the state. “Santa loves you. Santa loves Oklahoma like I do,” he said. “Oklahoma was very good to me in the election, so I love Oklahoma. Don’t ever leave Oklahoma.”