Joe Biden thanks US troops for service and sacrifice in Christmas Day calls

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden have thanked US troops, alongside their dog Commander (Carolyn Kaster/AP)

President Joe Biden has marked his first Christmas Day in office by making calls to US troops stationed around the world, offering them holiday wishes and gratitude for their service to the nation.

Joined by his wife, Jill, and their new puppy, Commander, the president spoke via video link to service members representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard, stationed at bases in Qatar, Romania, Bahrain and the US.