Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee and Donald Trump's incoming chief of staff, did what many politicians do on Christmas. He sent out a statement wishing supporters a good holiday.
The wording of his message, though, almost immediately sparked uproar, since it seems to compare the president-elect to Jesus Christ, or at the very least, a monarch.
Umm....
Here's the controversial part of the statement:
"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 immediate questions: Who is the "new King"? And since Jesus is referred to as king by Christians, why does the "new King" also get that title?
Journalist and frequent Trump critic Dan Rather chimed in.
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
Sean Spicer, Trump's newly named incoming press secretary, refuted the criticism.
Yes, you read that Reince Priebus statement correctly: literally refers to Donald Trump as a "King" and compares him to Jesus Christ.
— Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) December 25, 2016
Others didn't buy it.
Reince Priebus celebrates Trump as "a new King" you know, just in case you needed more proof Republicanism has gone off the rails pic.twitter.com/7Yf92z0jsC
— David Samples (@NatureGuy101) December 25, 2016
Halfwitted liberal with ZERO knowledge of Christianity imagines Reince Priebus Christmas note on Jesus the "King" was about Trump.@mattmfm pic.twitter.com/B5iS41ah92
— Warner Todd Huston (@warnerthuston) December 25, 2016
But some conservatives told critics to calm down.
OK ya'll - calm down. Priebus is likely actually talking about Jesus. Christians believe in a living Jesus who is the "new King," even now.
— SPBuckMulligan (@SPBuckMulligan) December 25, 2016
And others flexed their theological muscles.
