Defense Department vows to safeguard Santa Claus during yearly gift run

The Department of Defense on Friday expressed confidence that Santa Claus would enjoy the agency's support during his annual flight to deliver gifts to American youths.

"I can assure you that we will ensure Santa gets wherever he needs to go, safely and securely," Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder said, according to The Hill. "I’m sure he’ll be on time and in place for Christmas."

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) regularly tracks the progress of the airborne sleigh Claus regularly employs to make the journey. Ryder directed further questions to that agency.

The sleigh is expected to depart the North Pole at 4 a.m. EST on Christmas Eve. It remains unclear at what time he is expected to enter U.S. airspace.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.