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Donald Trump to host Muslims for iftar at White House after abolishing it last year
President Donald Trump announced plans to host an iftar dinner at the White House to commemorate Muslim holy month Ramadan, after failing to do so last year.(Courtesy)
WASHINGTON—United States President Donald Trump will host guests this year at an “Iftar”, a post-sundown meal, to mark the holy month of Ramadan during which Muslims across the world observe fast from sunrise to sunset.
Trump had, last year, ignored this century-old tradition at the White House that Thomas Jefferson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, is believed to have started in 1805.
Previous presidents have held iftar dinners, with Trump breaking two decades of tradition by failing to host the dinner in 2017—and prompting criticism for doing so.
The iftar dinner is scheduled for Wednesday. The White House official declined to provide a list of attendees.
During his campaign, he told an interviewer, “I think Islam hates us.” He repeatedly insinuated over the years that former President Barack Obama might be a Muslim, and in 2015 he said he would seriously consider closing mosques.
In a statement issued on the start of Ramadan, Trump said, “Ramadan reminds us of the richness Muslims add to the religious tapestry of American life.”
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and they break the fast with a meal known as an iftar.
“Our Constitution ensures Muslims can observe Ramadan in accordance with the dictates of conscience and unimpeded by government. By doing so, the Constitution also furnishes varied opportunities for all Americans to deepen their understanding of the human soul,” he continued. “As so many people unite to celebrate Ramadan, Melania and I join in the hope for a blessed month. Ramadan Mubarak.”
