Donald Trump speaks to US troops from Oval Office in Christmas Day message

President Donald Trump has wished US troops worldwide a merry Christmas.

Speaking by video conference to members of all five service branches on Christmas morning, Mr Trump said: “I know it’s a great sacrifice for you to be away from your families, but I want you to know that every American family is eternally grateful to you, and we’re holding you close in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.”

Mr Trump usually spends Christmas at his Florida estate.

He scrapped travel plans because of the shutdown.

He told reporters in the Oval Office: “I thought it would be wrong for me to be with my family.”