Trump says Santa is tracked globally to ensure he’s ‘not infiltrated’ during NORAD calls

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA: President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump joined the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Santa Tracker hotline from Mar-a-Lago on Christmas Eve, answering questions from children across the United States.

During the calls, Trump joked that Santa Claus was being closely monitored to make sure he was “not infiltrated,” keeping the tone light and playful throughout the interaction. He also described Santa as a “very good person,” drawing laughter during the festive exchange.

NORAD’s Santa Tracker, along with Google’s interactive tracking platform, once again followed Santa’s journey in real time as he traveled across the globe delivering gifts. This year marked the 70th anniversary of NORAD publicly tracking Santa’s Christmas Eve route, a tradition that began in 1955 after a newspaper misprint redirected children’s calls to a military command center.

Trump and Melania join NORAD Santa Tracker calls from Mar-a-Lago

Trump and Melania joined the holiday tradition from Mar-a-Lago, speaking with children who eagerly called in to ask about Santa’s location. The couple appeared relaxed and cheerful as they helped spread Christmas cheer nationwide.

During one call, Trump joked about keeping tabs on Santa’s movements around the world. “We track Santa all over the world. We want to make sure Santa is being good. Santa is a very good person,” he said.

He followed up with another playful remark, adding, “We want to make sure that he’s not infiltrated, that we’re not infiltrating into our country a bad Santa. So we found out that Santa is good.”

Trump jokes about tracking Santa during NORAD calls with children

In another moment, Trump spoke with a child from Oklahoma and shared a warm message. “Santa loves you. Santa loves Oklahoma like I do. Oklahoma was very good to me in the election. So I love Oklahoma. Don’t ever leave Oklahoma,” he said.

The president and first lady participated in the calls for about 20 minutes while seated near a Christmas tree. Trump reportedly took six calls and joked that he “could do this all day long” before returning to other responsibilities.

NORAD Santa Tracker marks 70 years of Christmas Eve tradition

NORAD’s Santa Tracker has grown into a beloved global tradition, offering a website, apps, music, and interactive features that allow families to follow Santa’s journey in real time. The program has become a holiday staple for millions of families around the world.

Google’s Santa Tracker also provides a festive experience with live maps, games, animations, and educational activities designed to entertain children while celebrating the holiday spirit.

What began as a simple mistake more than seven decades ago has evolved into one of Christmas Eve’s most cherished traditions, bringing together families, children, and even presidents for a moment of joy, laughter, and holiday magic.