Trump asks 7-year-old 'Do you still believe in Santa'

The seven-year-old girl whose phone call with President Donald Trump on Christmas Eve went viral has said she still believes in Santa Claus. Trump threw doubt on the existence of Santa when he asked Collman Lloyd if she still believed in Father Christmas.

After learning the girl's age, the president asked: "At seven, it's marginal, right?" "Yes, sir," the girl replied. She later admitted she did not know the word's meaning, the Post and Courier reports.

Collman, from Lexington in South Carolina, also told the newspaper that she was glad to be able to talk with the US president. "I was like, 'wow'. I was shocked.

Trump’s chat with Collman was initially reported as being with a boy named Coleman. Only Trump’s end of the conversation could be heard by reporters, but Collman’s family later posted a video of the call on YouTube.

Collman told the Post and Courier that she and her 10-year-old sister and five-year-old brother left out iced sugar cookies and chocolate milk for Santa. She reported that on Christmas morning the food was gone and presents were under the tree.

In addition to the Norad Tracks Santa programme and church services on Christmas Eve, Trump participated in another holiday tradition, wishing US troops stationed around the world a Merry Christmas. He spoke on Tuesday by video conference to members of all five branches of the military.

“I know it’s a great sacrifice for you to be away from your families, but I want you to know that every American family is eternally grateful to you, and we’re holding you close in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers,” Trump said. “We love what you do and love your work. Amazing people.”

The president spent a rare Christmas in Washington because of a stalemate with Congress over government funding that left several departments and agencies shuttered since the weekend, affecting the livelihoods of 800,000 federal employees. Trump usually celebrates Christmas at his Florida estate.