Trump Offers Holiday Greetings in Video Call to U.S. Troops

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—President Trump called U.S. troops deployed around the world to offer holiday greetings on Christmas Eve, saying they were “tremendous warriors” who have “kept the Taliban running scared.”

“You’re tremendous warriors, and we appreciate it so much,” Mr. Trump told members of the military over a video teleconference from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. “You kept the Taliban running scared. You are incredible people.”

The president’s comments come after the Pentagon announced Monday the death of a U.S. service member in Afghanistan. This year has seen at least 20 U.S. military deaths in the country, the highest in recent years. The Pentagon identified the soldier as 33-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Goble from Washington Township, N.J., who was with a Special Forces unit, and said he died from injuries sustained during combat. It didn’t provide further details but said the incident is under investigation.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the killing, adding further strain on the fragile U.S.-Taliban talks aimed at ending the 18-year war.