On December 15, 2025, President Trump held a speech at the White House during the Christmas reception, expressing condolences for the victims of the recent shootings in Sydney, Australia, the shooting at Brown University, and the American soldiers who lost their lives in an ambush in Syria.
President Trump began his speech by paying tribute to the victims before the start of the Christmas reception. He mentioned the two victims of the Brown University shooting, stating that “both are now watching over us from heaven.”
He praised Brown University as “a fantastic school, absolutely one of the top universities in the world.” Trump wished for the quick recovery of the 9 injured individuals and offered his deepest condolences and respects to the families of the two unfortunate deceased.
A shooting incident occurred at Brown University, an Ivy League school, on Saturday, December 13, resulting in the death of 2 students and injuries to 9 others. Authorities announced on Sunday that an individual of interest related to the case had been detained.
President Trump also addressed the shooting incident that took place in Australia on Sunday, stating that it was an “anti-Semitic attack.”
Expressing his condolences for each victim, Trump described the situation in Australia as “truly terrible.”
He further acknowledged a very brave individual who confronted one of the gunmen during the Australian shooting, saving many lives. This hero is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital, to whom Trump expressed his utmost respect.
A large-scale shooting incident took place at Bondi Beach in Sydney, a popular tourist destination in Australia. According to police reports, the death toll has risen to 16 individuals, with 40 others hospitalized for treatment. It remains unclear whether these figures include the two gunmen involved. The shooting occurred during a Hanukkah celebration at Archer Park on Bondi Beach, an important holiday for the Jewish community. The Australian Prime Minister described the attack as targeting the Australian Jewish population.
In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, President Trump urged American Jewish individuals to “celebrate Hanukkah proudly.”
Apart from addressing the Brown University and Australian shooting incidents, Trump also mentioned the ambush of American troops in Syria during his speech at the Christmas reception.
“In Syria, we were also attacked, and three great patriots were killed. This was not the Syrian government’s doing; the perpetrators were ISIS. The Syrian government and our new president fought alongside us. I just want to offer my respects to the families of the victims. Currently, three individuals are injured, with two already discharged, and one expected to recover. However, we lost three lives. So, it’s a very sad day.”
The President’s words at the Christmas reception highlighted his empathy and recognition for the victims and heroes involved in these tragic events.