Gideon Resnick

And one other small tip, maybe save wrapping gifts for once you're through security.

If TSA wants to take a second look at something, they might have to undo your beautiful handiwork.

And if you happen to show up to your loved ones empty-handed, I suppose any of this could be used as an excuse.

You can find all these stories and more in the Apple News app.

And if you're already listening to the news app right now, we've got a narrated article coming up next.

Esquire has the story of Bob Rutan, part of the close fellowship of Macy's Santa Clauses in New York, and how he battled failure and heartbreak, but persevered with some Christmas magic.

If you're listening in the podcast app, you can follow Apple News Plus Narrative to find that story.

And a quick programming note for our listeners, Apple News Today will be taking a break and back with a new episode January 5th.

We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and we'll talk to you in the new year.

Good morning.

It's Thursday, December 18th.

I'm Gideon Resnick in for Shamita Basu.

This is Apple News Today.

On today's show, the story behind a unique new statue in the Capitol, how the president is trying to free a MAGA loyalist, and the next person in charge of our missions to space is confirmed.

But first, last night, President Trump gave a primetime address to the nation, focused mostly on the state of the economy.

During the speech, he attacked Democrats, blaming them for increased prices across the board and other issues, while giving himself credit for solving those problems.

The president also said that in just under a year, he brought the country back from the brink.

The combative speech comes at a moment when Trump has struggled to assuage concerns among voters that the general cost of living in the United States is still stubbornly high.

What has been a political strength of Trump's, one that he used to help win his second term in the White House, is now his own cross to bear in a sense.

Despite the president's claims during his address that prices for things like plane tickets, gas and groceries are all falling on his watch, the public at large hasn't really agreed with that.