Trump Iftar Party: Controversy Surrounds Trump’s Iftar Party at the White House, U.S. Muslims Upset Over Guest List
Trump Iftar Party: Controversy Surrounds Trump’s Iftar Party at the White House, U.S. Muslims Upset Over Guest List
Donald Trump hosted an Iftar party at the White House for the first time as President, but the event became embroiled in controversy. American Muslims were unhappy with the dinner.
Trump addressed the guests, stating, "I welcome all of you. We are celebrating Ramadan, a special month. Ramadan Mubarak to Muslims around the world. We respect this religion." He explained that during Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, pray, and then break their fast with family and friends. He also expressed wishes for peace in the world.
Trump expressed gratitude for the support from the Muslim American community in the 2024 presidential election. However, controversy arose because, this time, American Muslim lawmakers and community leaders were not invited. Instead, ambassadors from Muslim countries were invited.
Outside the White House, a Muslim civil rights group staged a protest called "Not Trump’s Iftar." One protester accused Trump of hypocrisy, pointing out that he banned entry to Muslims from certain countries but still hosted an Iftar party.