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22:21, 26-Jun-2017
Trump administration breaks White House Eid dinner tradition
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An almost 20-year-old tradition of hosting an Eid dinner in the White House to mark the end of Ramadan has been broken by President Donald Trump, according to a BBC report.
The tradition has been observed every year since President Clinton's tenure in the 1990s.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reportedly rejected a recommendation from the State Department's office of religion and global affairs to hold an Eid reception.
The dinner has been hosted by three successive presidents, including Barack Obama here in 2015. /BBC Photo
The dinner has been hosted by three successive presidents, including Barack Obama here in 2015. /BBC Photo
Trump has long been criticized for his use of anti-Muslim rhetoric, particularly on the campaign trail where he called for surveillance of mosques in the United States.
However, Trump did send a message of goodwill to Muslims around the world in a statement, saying that, "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. Eid Mubarak."
Tillerson also released a brief statement, sending "best wishes to all Muslims celebrating Eid al-Fitr".
The first presidential Iftar dinner was hosted by Thomas Jefferson in 1805, and it became an annual White House tradition in 1999.
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