Trump praises military in holiday call: ‘We’re winning’

President Trump on Sunday told the military “we’re winning” in a video conference call framed as a Christmas greeting.

He praised soldiers deployed overseas, complimenting the military on “how well we’re doing” in the fight against terrorism.

“Today and every day we’re incredibly thankful for you and for your families. Your families have been tremendous,” Trump added.

{mosads}Military representatives on the call included Air Force Lt. Col. Paul Goossen in Qatar, Marine Col. Christopher Gideons in Kuwait, Navy Cmdr. Timothy LaBenz aboard the USS Sampson in 5th Fleet OPS Underway, Coast Guard Capt. Matthew Wadleigh in Guantánamo Bay and Army Col. Charles Lombardo in Kuwait, according to a White House pool report.

The call came a few days after Vice President Pence made a surprise visit to Afghanistan to meet with U.S. troops and Afghan leaders. He told soldiers that “victory is closer than ever before.”

Trump is spending Christmas at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. He wished soldiers a “very, very merry Christmas,” adding that the country is saying “merry Christmas, again, very, very proudly.”

Trump specifically praised the Coast Guard for its work following hurricanes in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico.

“What a job you’ve done. The Coast Guard saved thousands and thousands of lives, almost it’s unbelievable, when I look at the charts, I saw the number of lives you saved,” he said.

Trump then took questions from service members without media present.