TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Trump hosts first iftar dinner at White House
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
US President Donald Trump speaks during an iftar dinner hosted at the White House in Washington, DC, on June 6. Donald Trump hosts his first iftar dinner as president, marking the traditional Ramadhan fast-breaking meal with Muslim invitees at the White House.
(AFP/Jim Watson)
D
onald Trump hosted his first iftar dinner as president Wednesday, marking the traditional Ramadan fast-breaking meal with Muslim invitees at the White House.
Trump, who has frequently engaged in inflammatory anti-Muslim rhetoric, hosted the event in the State Dining Room.
He did not hold a similar event in his first year in office, in a break with past presidents.
Millions of devout Muslims observe the holy fasting month of Ramadan, which is slated to end on June 14 this year.
From sunrise onwards, they abstain from food and drink, breaking their fast at sunset.
There were more than 50 guests. At the head table, Trump sat with Saudi Ambassador Prince Khalid Ben Salman, and Jordanian Ambassador Dina Kawar.
Ambassadors were invited from the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Morocco, Algeria and Libya.
"To each of you and to the Muslims around the world: Ramadan Mubarak," Trump said.
"Tonight, we give thanks for the renewed bonds of friendship and cooperation we have forged with our valued partners from all across the Middle East," he said.
Iftar dinners have been a regular feature on the White House calendar, along with prayer breakfasts, Passover Seders and similar events.
Several American Muslim groups said they would not participate in Wednesday's iftar.
