'Boy, you look like Ivanka': The off-script moment that went viral from Trump’s Christmas speech | WATCH

File photo of US President Donald Trump and daughter Ivanka Trump.

US President Donald Trump briefly broke from his prepared remarks during a White House Christmas reception on Sunday, after spotting a woman in the audience whom he said closely resembled his daughter, Ivanka Trump. The unexpected moment occurred as Trump was addressing guests gathered for the annual festive celebration.

Midway through his speech, Trump paused, pointed toward a woman in the crowd, and appeared momentarily distracted. “Boy, do you look like Ivanka. Has anyone ever told you that?” he said, prompting laughter and murmurs from attendees. He went on to explain that he had been looking at her and briefly wondered whether she was his daughter.

Trump then asked the woman to turn around so cameras could capture her face, turning the spontaneous exchange into a moment of public curiosity. “Does she look like Ivanka? It’s the most unbelievable thing,” he remarked, before adding that the resemblance was “a great compliment.” The woman smiled and briefly turned toward the cameras as the audience reacted with visible amusement.

Trump: You look like Ivanka. Has anyone ever told you that? You look like just like Ivanka which is a great compliment. pic.twitter.com/LDGL3rw0re

— Acyn (@Acyn) December 14, 2025

The interruption took place during what was otherwise an informal and wide-ranging address, reflecting Trump’s often unscripted style of public speaking. Known for veering off topic and engaging directly with people in the room, Trump has frequently used such moments to inject humour or personal observations into official events.

Guests at the White House reception appeared entertained by the brief detour. Several could be seen smiling and laughing as the exchange unfolded. After a few moments, Trump shifted his attention back to the podium and resumed his prepared remarks, thanking attendees for joining the Christmas celebration at the White House and wishing them well for the holiday season.

Soon after the event, short clips of the moment began circulating widely on social media platforms, where they drew mixed reactions. Some viewers described the exchange as light-hearted and harmless, seeing it as a typical example of Trump’s candid and conversational approach at public gatherings. Others criticised the remark, calling it awkward and unnecessary, and questioned the appropriateness of singling out a guest during an official reception.