Is Trump Saying There Are No Bad Santas as NORAD and Google Track Santa?

Families around the world are eagerly tracking Santa's journey this Christmas Eve, with the help of both NORAD and Google's festive platforms. In a unique twist, former President Donald Trump has joined the tradition this year, providing updates and engaging with children about Santa's whereabouts. The excitement peaks as Santa makes his way towards the United States, with families able to follow his progress in real-time through interactive tools that blend entertainment and holiday spirit.

Last updated: 24 December 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

This Christmas Eve, millions of families are glued to their screens as they await the arrival of Father Christmas. As of now, Santa Claus is in Spain after a brief stop in France, making his way towards the United States. Thanks to NORAD's military-grade radar and Google's festive tracker, families can monitor his journey live. The excitement is amplified by Donald Trump's involvement, as he engages in light-hearted interactions with children about the importance of tracking Santa, blending holiday cheer with a hint of political commentary.

Key takeaways

Donald Trump is participating in Santa tracking this year, adding a festive twist to the tradition.
NORAD and Google provide live tracking tools that show Santa's journey in real-time.
Families can engage with interactive games and puzzles on Google’s platform while they wait for Santa.
Santa's arrival in the United States is expected between 9 PM and midnight local time.
The tradition of tracking Santa began in 1955 due to a misdirected phone call to NORAD.

Timeline: how we got here

The tradition of tracking Santa Claus has evolved significantly over the years. Here’s a brief timeline of key events:

1955: The Santa tracking tradition begins when a misprinted phone number in a newspaper leads children to call NORAD.
2004: Google launches its own Santa Tracker, providing an alternative tracking experience with interactive features.
2025: Donald Trump participates in the Santa tracking mission, engaging with children live during the festivities.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As part of this year’s festivities, Donald Trump has taken a more personal role in the Santa tracking tradition, answering calls from children and making light-hearted comments about the importance of surveillance. This marks a notable shift in how the tradition is presented, merging holiday fun with current events.

What was already established

The Santa tracking tradition itself has been a staple for decades, with NORAD's involvement dating back to the mid-20th century. The technology used to track Santa has evolved dramatically, with both NORAD and Google providing sophisticated tracking tools that engage families worldwide.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As families in the UK join in the excitement of tracking Santa, they can anticipate his arrival similar to those in the US. The interactive platforms create a sense of community as families share the experience of waiting for Santa, enhancing the festive spirit during Christmas Eve.

Businesses and jobs

The festive tracking experience not only entertains but also drives traffic to both NORAD and Google’s platforms. This can lead to increased engagement with their services, potentially benefiting their brands during the holiday season.

Policy and regulation

While tracking Santa is primarily a festive activity, it touches on themes of surveillance and security, which can resonate differently based on current political climates. How such themes are presented during holiday traditions may influence public perceptions of privacy and security measures.

Numbers that matter

1955: Year the Santa tracking tradition began with NORAD.
2004: Year Google launched its Santa Tracker.
79: The age of Donald Trump, who is participating in the tracking this year.
9 PM - Midnight: Estimated time for Santa's arrival in the US.
1,000s: The number of calls and interactions handled by NORAD volunteers each Christmas Eve.

Definitions and jargon buster

NORAD: North American Aerospace Defense Command, responsible for monitoring and defending US airspace.
Santa Tracker: An online platform that allows families to track Santa's journey on Christmas Eve.
SantaCam: A live video feed provided by NORAD showcasing Santa's journey across the globe.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As Christmas approaches, families can continue to enjoy the interactive features offered by both NORAD and Google until Santa's journey is complete. This includes games, educational content, and live tracking updates.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-Christmas, families can reflect on the experiences shared during the holiday season, including the connections made through tracking Santa. Businesses may also analyse engagement data to improve future campaigns.

Signals to watch

Santa's live tracking updates on both NORAD and Google platforms.
Public reactions to the engagement of political figures in holiday traditions.
Changes in how surveillance themes are discussed in the context of holiday events.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with the tracking platforms to enhance your family's festive experience.
Participate in interactive games and challenges provided by Google.
Share the tracking experience with friends and family to foster community spirit.

Don’t

Don't forget to check both NORAD and Google for unique features.
Don’t rush through the experience; take time to enjoy the journey.
Don't overlook the educational content available through the platforms.

Checklist

Access NORAD and Google’s Santa tracking sites on Christmas Eve.
Engage with the interactive features available on both platforms.
Set a reminder for Santa's expected arrival time in your area.
Encourage children to ask questions during the live updates.
Plan a festive activity to celebrate Santa’s arrival.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the tradition of tracking Santa is beloved, it is essential to acknowledge the blend of entertainment and surveillance. There may be concerns regarding privacy and the implications of integrating political commentary into holiday traditions. Furthermore, the precise timing of Santa's arrival can vary, making it a fluid experience for families.

Bottom line

This year's Santa tracking experience is marked by Donald Trump's unique involvement, blending holiday cheer with political commentary. As families across the UK engage with NORAD and Google's platforms, they can anticipate the joy of Santa's arrival while reflecting on the implications of surveillance in festive traditions.

FAQs

How do I track Santa with NORAD?

You can track Santa using NORAD by visiting noradsanta.org, where you’ll find a live radar and updates on Santa's journey across the globe.

What features does Google’s Santa Tracker offer?

Google’s Santa Tracker offers real-time navigation, games, puzzles, and festive videos, making it an interactive experience for families during the holiday season.

When can I expect Santa to arrive in the US?

Santa is expected to arrive in the United States between 9 PM and midnight local time, but the exact timing may vary based on his travel speed.