WATCH: Trump says it's now kosher to say 'Merry Christmas'

In message to US troops and their families, President

US President Donald Trump participates in a Christmas Eve video teleconference with members of the military at Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida (photo credit: CARLOS BARRIA / REUTERS)
US President Donald Trump participates in a Christmas Eve video teleconference with members of the military at Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida
(photo credit: CARLOS BARRIA / REUTERS)
United States President Donald Trump addressed troops via video conference call on Christmas eve, Sunday. During the conversation Trump thanked the members of the military for their service and their families for the sacrifice.
US President Donald Trump wishes soldiers and their families "Merry Christmas" (Reuters)
"I just wanted to wish everybody a very very merry Christmas. We can say Christmas again, very proudly. Very very merry Christmas. We are going to have a great year. It's going to be an incredible year. I'm thrilled to bring season greetings on behalf of the first lady and on behalf of my entire family and most importantly on behalf of the American people," said Trump.

Trump went on to describe military families as under-appreciated, calling them the "greatest people on earth."

Trump has said the phrase "Merry Christmas" will be permitted now that he is president, suggesting it was not used by his predecessors.

MSNBC responded to his statements by putting out a video of President Barack Obama repeatedly saying "Merry Christmas" during his tenure.