President Donald Trump brought humor and warmth to a long-standing Christmas Eve tradition during his participation in the NORAD Santa Tracker calls, sharing a lighthearted exchange with a child that quickly went viral.

During one of the calls, a child told the president that he wanted a Kindle for Christmas. Trump immediately responded with a smile and a joke, telling the child, “Wow! You must be a high-IQ person. We need more high-IQ people in the country.” The remark prompted laughter from the child, and Trump doubled down with a grin, adding, “We definitely need more high-IQ.”

The playful moment captured the relaxed and personable side of the president as he spoke with children across the country tracking Santa’s journey. The NORAD Santa Tracker program, a holiday tradition dating back decades, allows children to speak with volunteers — and occasionally the president — about Santa’s whereabouts on Christmas Eve.

Supporters praised the exchange as a refreshing reminder that leadership can include humor, encouragement, and a genuine connection with families. The comment was widely interpreted as a compliment to curiosity and learning, reinforcing the value Trump has often placed on intelligence, achievement, and ambition.

The moment stood out amid the festive calls, offering a glimpse of a president comfortable engaging with children in a spontaneous and friendly way. As the child laughed and the call continued, the exchange reflected the spirit of the holiday — lighthearted, joyful, and unifying.

For many viewers, the interaction was a reminder that even in times of political division, shared traditions like the NORAD Santa Tracker can bring Americans together, if only for a moment, through simple laughter and holiday cheer.