The Republican National Committee released a Christmas message yesterday that appeared to compare President-elect Donald Trump with the birth of Jesus Christ.
“Over two millennia ago, a new hope was born into the world, a Savior who would offer the promise of salvation to all mankind. Just as the three wise men did on that night, this Christmas heralds a time to celebrate the good news of a new King,” the offending section of the statement read.
Progressives erupted with disgust and shock that the Republican Party would seemingly compare Donald “if you’re famous you can sexually assault women” Trump to Christ, on Christmas no less.
OMFG. https://t.co/XjJsaCc2o6 pic.twitter.com/Ng725lrY2m
— Daniel W. Drezner (@dandrezner) December 25, 2016
I mean, you can choose to accept this wasn't purposely written as it was, I guess. But it's clear the double meaning was intentional.
— Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) December 25, 2016
They're really embracing the Cheeto Jesus thing. https://t.co/ckgyXdGsPf
— Josh Barro (@jbarro) December 25, 2016
The distinction between a president and a king is not trivial https://t.co/8At2sHon1E
— Jonathan Chait (@jonathanchait) December 25, 2016
Now it is the Republicans turn to play the outrage card, claiming they never compared Trump to Jesus and that they can’t believe anyone would have read it that way.
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Incoming White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer telling BuzzFeed in an email, “I hope you are kidding. Christ is the King in the Christian faith. To ask this on Christmas is frankly offensive.”
Spicer also took to Twitter to make the case that the King in the RNC Christmas message was referring to Jesus.
Christ is the King. He was born today so we could be saved. Its sad & disappointing you are politicizing such a holy day. https://t.co/NEOkLNd1Mz
— Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) December 25, 2016
On this holy day of Christmas @CNN @greggbirnbaum mock @gop 4 acknowledging that Christ is the King of Christians https://t.co/2G7R67YcyR
— Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) December 25, 2016
It's sad that @BuzzFeedBen condones this attack on Christ on such a holy day for Christians. @BuzzFeed must apologize https://t.co/QdtAZGOqgY
— Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) December 25, 2016
No Josh, there is nothing great about this. Today Christians celebrate the birth of our Savior & the idea u don't the recognize this is sad https://t.co/6YO2j1gkxb
— Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) December 25, 2016
While you may think Trump and Jesus “don’t expect to find rich people in heaven” Christ have nothing in common, he seems to think they share at least one trait: a big ego.
When asked in an interview with Playboy, a framed copy of which he was photographed standing in front of with Jerry Falwell, Jr., how big a role ego played in his deal making and enjoyment of publicity, he claimed every successful person has a large ego.
“Every successful person? Mother Teresa? Jesus Christ?” the interviewer asked.
“Far greater egos than you will ever understand,” Trump answered.