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Trump wishes Muslims 'warm greetings' for Idul Fitri
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In this file photo, US President Donald Trump and First lady Melania Trump walk down the stairs off Air Force One after arriving in US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily on May 25 for the G7 summit. (AFP/Mandel Ngan)
U
S President Donald Trump on Saturday, local time, sent warm greetings" to Muslims celebrating the end of Ramadhan, after his administration broke with the tradition of hosting a White House event to recognize the holy month.
"On behalf of the American people, Melania and I send our warm greetings to Muslims as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr [Idul Fitri]," Trump said in a statement. "During this holiday, we are reminded of the importance of mercy, compassion, and goodwill."
"With Muslims around the world, the United States renews our commitment to honor these values."
Since the Bill Clinton administration, the White House has each year hosted either an event to mark the Idul FItri feast – which ends the fasting month of Ramadan – or a meal breaking the dawn-til-dusk fast, known as an iftar.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reportedly rejected a request by his department's office of religion and global affairs to hold an event for the holiday.
Trump has come under fire for his history of anti-Muslim rhetoric on the campaign trail, that included calls for surveillance of US mosques and an outright ban on Muslims entering the country in the name of national security.
