Summary: Donald Trump's White House has openly embraced Christmas and religious messaging, with a post on X calling it 'Merry Christmas again' and Trump's own post invoking God against 'Radical Left elements'. But a similar political expression of religiosity & faith by Modi or a Bharatiya President would draw loud outrage. Columnist Anant Vijay also cites Trump's announced strike on ISIS over attacks on Christians and his warning to Nigeria, and suggests that protection of Hindus in Bangladesh would similarly give Bharat grounds to act. He ends by pointing to the RSS's centenary focus on Kutumb Prabodhan, which is causing discomfort among its opponents.
Why it matters: It shows the double standard in how Indian liberals and the Anglosphere treat open religious identity in politics, as Hindu leaders face outrage for the same conduct that is accepted as mainstream elsewhere. It also links US protection of Christians abroad to the case for Bharat protecting Hindus everywhere.
“Why Embracing Religion And Tradition Is No Longer A Political Taboo” — Free Press Journal, 6 Jan 2026
This impression was further reinforced when, on the occasion of Christmas, the White House posted on X, “We are saying Merry Christmas again.” The post featured a photo of a Christmas tree along with the American flag. In front of the Christmas tree was a photograph of Donald Trump, and his official handle was tagged. The post was widely seen as a message directed at Kamala Harris.
Not only that, but a post made by Donald Trump himself from his X handle was even more pointed: “Merry Christmas to everyone. Even to those despicable Radical Left elements who are involved in every possible attempt to destroy America but are failing miserably… God! Keep Your blessings on America.”
This post was entirely political and written with Christmas and God at its centre…
Read the full article at Free Press Journal →
