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 (June 6). 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.”

Source: Politico.com

BDST: 1355 HRS, JUN 3, 2018
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