The White House is firing back at a Washington Post article that criticized the Trump administration for using "explicitly sectarian" language in its holiday messages.
The controversy began when the newspaper highlighted social media posts from top officials like Pete Hegseth and Linda McMahon, who referred to Christmas as a celebration of the birth of "our Savior Jesus Christ."
The Washington Post claimed these messages diverged from the "secular, Santa Claus-and-reindeer style" that has been the government norm for years.
The article suggested the administration is focusing on the language of its evangelical Christian base rather than using more inclusive terms.
In response, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Fox News Digital that the administration is proud to be "saying Merry Christmas again."
She stated that Christmas remains a Christian holiday for millions regardless of whether the Washington Post approves of the religious tone.
Administration officials and conservative commentators mocked the article, with some pointing out that the "Christ" in Christmas defines the holiday's entire foundation.
Counterterrorism advisor Sebastian Gorka defended the messages, arguing that the American Republic was founded on Western Christian values and rights given by God.