RNC Forced To Clarify Christmas Message Which Many Took As Heralding Trump As America’s “New King”

Here’s the first paragraph of the RNC’s Christmas message that set social media blazing yesterday afternoon:

“Merry Christmas to all! 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. We hope Americans celebrating Christmas today will enjoy a day of festivities and a renewed closeness with family and friends.”

And from Politico this morning:

After creating a stir on social media with its Christmas message, Republican National Committee spokesman Sean Spicer said that its reference to “a new King” was not a reference to President-elect Donald Trump.

“Christ is the King,” tweeted Spicer, who will be Trump’s press secretary. “He was born today so we could be saved. Its (sic) sad & disappointing you are politicizing such a holy day.”

Spicer’s tweet — and related remarks on CNN — followed several hours of angry back and forth on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms over whether the RNC’s holiday message was suggesting the president-elect was a figure comparable to Jesus Christ.