The Trump administration has launched a new holiday-themed website, MerryChristmas.gov, aimed at celebrating federal programs and public works that have “helped weave the fabric of the nation.”
“Over twelve days, we’re highlighting moments of design, innovation, and public work initiated by the federal government that helped shape the nation. Consider it a small holiday reminder of what America can build together,” the website states.
A Look Back at Federal Art and Innovation
The site debuted Sunday with its first feature: a tribute to the Works Progress Administration’s (WPA) poster program, created during the Great Depression to provide work for artists while uplifting the public during economic turmoil.
“Created during the Great Depression under the Works Progress Administration, the Federal Art Project’s poster program employed artists to design uplifting messages promoting parks, public health, education, and cultural events. Its bold shapes and clear typography helped define American public communication, and the surviving posters remain some of the most iconic federal designs of the 20th century,” the website notes.
The accompanying image highlights a vivid WPA tourism poster depicting a cave in deep blue tones, encouraging Americans to explore national parks.
MerryChristmas.gov will continue releasing daily historical highlights through December 25. The site also includes a live weather tracker for both the North Pole and the White House.
A Political Refrain: “Merry Christmas” Returns
The launch aligns with President Donald Trump’s longtime pledge to “bring back Christmas,” a theme he revisited frequently on the 2024 campaign trail.
“We’re going to have Merry Christmas just like we got for everybody seven years ago, we brought it back, it was in deep trouble but we brought it back,” he said at an August 2024 rally.
Now in his second term, the message has reappeared in official White House communications. Earlier this month, the administration’s X account declared, “We’re saying MERRY CHRISTMAS again!” alongside a photo of Trump in the Oval Office beside a Christmas tree.
Holiday Memes as Policy Messaging
In recent weeks, the administration’s social media presence has leaned heavily into Christmas-themed memes to bolster its policy agenda—particularly around immigration.
One post riffs on The Polar Express with the caption:
“BELIEVE YOU CAN GO HOME! It doesn’t matter where they’re going. What matters is deciding to get on. CBP Home App to self-deport today!”
Another meme shows the Grinch with the line, “How the Illegals Stole Healthcare.”
The Department of Homeland Security has adopted similar messaging, sharing edited images of federal officers wearing festive lights and Santa hats with the caption, “YOU’RE GOING HO HO HOME.” DHS also posted a video depicting Trump driving Santa’s sleigh.
