Spicer: RNC Did Not Refer to Trump as Christ

The GOP did not compare Donald Trump to Jesus Christ in a Christmas message it sent out early Sunday, a claim Republican National Committee spokesman Sean Spicer told one reporter was “sad.”

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

The RNC’s Christmas message read, in part, “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 note was interpreted by some as comparing Christ to Trump.

.@seanspicer when asked by me if that Trump/"New King"/Jesus comparison was intentional: "I hope you are kidding" https://t.co/cpMFZQ3M7f pic.twitter.com/LmNCJDIKtz

— David Mack (@davidmackau) December 25, 2016

The distinction between a president and a king is not trivial https://t.co/8At2sHon1E

— Jonathan Chait (@jonathanchait) December 25, 2016

But Spicer said that wasn’t the case.

"Christ is the King in the Christian faith," he told CNN.