The outgoing and incoming U.S. presidents marked Christmas with vastly different tones, as President Joe Biden shared a message of unity and reflection, while President-elect Donald Trump mixed holiday greetings with sharp political commentary.

In a video released on Christmas Eve, President Biden offered a heartfelt appeal for unity. Narrating a virtual tour of the White House’s holiday decorations, Biden spoke of love, dignity, and mutual care.

“We’re here on this Earth to care for one another, to love one another,” Biden said, as images of decorated evergreen trees and glowing fireplaces played. He encouraged Americans to reflect on their blessings and set aside divisions, reminding them that “more unites us than divides us.”

“We’re truly blessed to live in this nation,” he added, urging everyone to “live in the light.”

On Christmas morning, President-elect Trump shared a “Merry Christmas” message on his Truth Social platform, paired with a festive photo of himself and his wife, Melania. However, Trump quickly pivoted to politics, re-posting messages supporting his nominees and controversial policy proposals, including plans involving Greenland and the Panama Canal.

Later, Trump delivered a scathing message aimed at his political opponents.

“Merry Christmas to the Radical Left Lunatics, who are constantly trying to obstruct our Court System and our Elections,” he wrote. Trump also accused Chinese soldiers of operating the Panama Canal and criticised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Democrats, and President Biden.

In a lighter but equally provocative note, Trump suggested that if Canada became the 51st U.S. state, Canadian taxes would drop significantly.

The starkly different messages highlight the divergent approaches of the two leaders as the nation prepares for a transfer of power. While Biden’s message sought to inspire hope and unity, Trump’s remarks reflected his combative style, signaling the tone of his upcoming presidency.

President Joe Biden, who began his presidency in 2021 with a pledge to “end this uncivil war that pits red against blue,” stepped back from the 2024 presidential race earlier this year, paving the way for Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket.

However, the November election delivered a significant blow to Democrats, as the party lost every battleground state and control of both the House and Senate.

The political landscape in the United States remains deeply divided, with the incoming Congress projected to be the most polarized in history, exacerbating partisan tensions.

Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has signaled an aggressive agenda. He has vowed to prosecute political opponents, restructure the federal government, and pursue controversial geopolitical initiatives, including a proposal to take control of the Panama Canal.

As the nation prepares for a dramatic shift in leadership, the divide between red and blue states appears wider than ever, casting uncertainty over the country’s political and social trajectory.