US President-elect Donald Trump has sparked another controversy as he refused to extend Christmas greetings to federal
death-row inmates
whose sentences were commuted earlier this week by US President Joe Biden.
He criticised Biden's
clemency decision
, telling the inmates to “GO TO HELL.”
Trump, on his social media platform Truth Social, wrote, “To the 37 most violent criminals, who killed, raped, and plundered like virtually no one before them, but were just given, incredibly, a pardon by Sleepy Joe Biden.”
“I refuse to wish a Merry Christmas to those lucky ‘souls’ but, instead, will say, GO TO HELL!”
President Biden, 82, commuted the sentences of 37 out of 40 men on federal death row on Monday, converting their sentences to life imprisonment without parole. The list reportedly includes at least five child killers and several mass murderers as per the New York Post.
Trump further added that the men know that their only chance of survival is getting pardons “from a man who has absolutely no idea what he is doing.”
According to the White House, the decision was part of Biden's broader effort to promote a “fair and effective justice system.”
President elect Trump, also used his Christmas Day message to address international issues, targeting China, Canada, and what he called “Radical Left Lunatics,” and showcasing his support for US control over the Panama Canal and Greenland.
Trump said “Merry Christmas to the Radical Left Lunatics, who are constantly trying to obstruct our Court System and our Elections, and are always going after the Great Citizens and Patriots of the United States but, in particular, their Political Opponent, ME.”
He also addressed China, wishing a merry Christmas to everyone, “including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in “repair” money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about ‘anything.’”
Turning to Canada, the president elect further addressed PM Justin Trudeau and proposed an unusual idea, “Also, to Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada, whose Citizens’ Taxes are far too high, but if Canada was to become our 51st State, their Taxes would be cut by more than 60 per cent, their businesses would immediately double in size, and they would be militarily protected like no other Country anywhere in the World,” he said.
He also highlighted Greenland in his message, “Likewise, to the people of Greenland, which is needed by the United States for National Security purposes and, who want the US to be there, and we will!”
Trump said that 2024 had the greatest election in the US history, adding, “bright light is now shining over the USA and, in 26 days, we will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. MERRY CHRISTMAS!”
Trump’s comments have drawn significant attention, reflecting his trademark rhetoric as he prepares to assume office.