RNC: 'New King' Is Jesus, Not Trump

Partisanship didn't take a day off for Christmas: After furious discussions on social media, Republican National Comittee spokesman Sean Spicer issued a statement clarifying that a Christmas message referred to Jesus, not Donald Trump, Politico reports. "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," said the statement issued by RNC chief Reince Preibus. Some observers, including John Weaver, a top aide to Ohio's Republican governor, thought the RNC was likening Trump to Jesus, BuzzFeed reports.

Spicer, who will be Trump's White House press secretary, said it was "sad and disappointing" that people were "politicizing such a holy day," CNN reports. "I hope you are kidding," he told BuzzFeed when asked if the message had been comparing the president-elect to Jesus. “Christ is the King in the Christian faith. To ask this on Christmas is frankly offensive." Trump, meanwhile, tweeted that he wishes a Merry Christmas "and a very, very, very, very Happy New Year to everyone!" (More Republican National Committee stories.)