Kari Lake Takes Aim at 'Grinch' Joe Biden in Christmas Message

Kari Lake has branded President Joe Biden "the grinch that stole Christmas" in a Christmas Eve message in which she said 2024 will be "the year we save our country" in apparent reference to the upcoming presidential election.

The Arizona Republican, and passionate Donald Trump supporter, made the remarks in a two-minute video uploaded to X, formerly Twitter, which received both supportive and hostile reactions from other social media users.

Lake shot to national prominence in November 2022 when she contested Arizona's gubernatorial election, which she narrowly lost to Democrat Katie Hobbs. However Lake refused to accept defeat and is continuing to insist the contest was stolen from her, despite her attempts to overturn the result being repeatedly rejected in court.

In her Christmas message Lake contrasted the state of the nation to what it was like in December 2019, during the Trump administration, just months before the coronavirus pandemic resulted in lockdowns across the nation. She said: "Just four years ago we were celebrating this holiday amidst historic peace and prosperity. Presents surrounded our trees, our hearts were full and our wallets were considerably heavier.

"But this administration has done everything it can to strip that all away. I'd liken Joe Biden to the grinch that stole Christmas, but that would be unfair to the grinch who actually had a heart, albeit a small one."

The Republican firebrand claimed Americans are suffering as a result of "the Democrats' disastrous policies" but insisted "better days are not so far away."

"This Christmas I ask that you not only reflect on what makes America great, but what each and every one of us can do to make her even greater. 2024 is the year we save our country," Lake added.

Newsweek has contacted the White House press office for comment by email.

Lake's defiant message sparked a mixed response from other X users, some of whom sent her their Christmas best wishes whilst others accused her of politicizing the festive season.

One user posted: "Merry Christmas Kari! Enjoy your Holidays with the fam[ily] & rest up, We have a lot of ass kickin' to do in 2024!!"

However a second was more critical, ironically stating: "What a beautiful and lovely Christmas sentiment from you. Bashing President Biden, telling fibs and trying out a new grift from your supporters. It's Christmas! Give it a rest!"

A third wrote: "You're pathetic and a poor excuse for an American. Joe Biden is our true President and a true Christian unlike you with your hate and lies."

Lake announced in October that she is running for an Arizona Senate seat, telling an announcement rally that "I'm really tired of watching our politicians retreat from every single important battle."

This could lead to a three-way contest against Senator Kyrsten Sinema, the incumbent who was elected as a Democrat before becoming an independent, and whoever the Democrats select as their next candidate. Sinema has yet to confirm whether she plans to run again in 2024.

Earlier this year there was speculation that Lake could be Trump's 2024 vice-presidential pick, with journalist Piers Morgan telling her in May that it "sounds like you're making a little campaign ad to be his running mate." During the same interview Lake suggested Trump doesn't actually require a running mate, commenting: "I don't think President Trump needs a vice president. He is that powerful as a leader, he doesn't really need anyone."