King Trump in Christmas message? GOP explains royal goof

A benign Christmas message it wasn’t. If Sean Spicer as Donald Trump’s press secretary has many more days like Dec. 25, he’ll need divine help.

Spicer spent Sunday defending a Republican National Committee press release that included what some call a reference to Trump as a “new King.”

“Over two millennia ago, a new hope was born into the world, a Savior who would offer the promise of salvation to all mankind,” the release said in part. “Just as the three wise men did on that night, this Christmas heralds a time to celebrate the good news of a new King.”

Fox News noted that the message from RNC Chairman Reince Priebus ignited a heated debate on social media over whether “new King” was a reference to the president-elect.

“John Weaver, a top aide to Ohio Gov. John Kasich, was among those who tweeted their displeasure with the statement.

Dear RNC: We don’t have a “new King.” What the hell is wrong with you people? #TwoPaths #Vigilance

— John Weaver (@JWGOP) December 25, 2016

“Spicer later said that it was ‘sad & disappointing you are politicizing such a holy day.’”

The debate continued on Twitter: