Trump Will Host Ramadan Dinner at White House
06 Jun 201811:33 AM
Trump Will Host Ramadan Dinner at White House

Naomi Fry

Politico
President Donald Trump will host an iftar dinner at the White House next week to recognize the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, according to a White House official, a departure from last year’s decision not to host the traditional post-sundown meal.

The iftar dinner is scheduled for Wednesday. The White House official declined to provide a list of attendees.


During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and they break the fast with a meal known as an iftar.


The White House faced criticism last year for neglecting to host an iftar dinner, breaking with a long-standing tradition embraced by Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Trump has a tense relationship with the Muslim community. During the presidential campaign, Trump called for a "total and complete" ban on all Muslims entering the United States. As president, he has restricted citizens from several Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States.

In a statement issued last month marking the start of Ramadan, Trump said, “Ramadan reminds us of the richness Muslims add to the religious tapestry of American life.”