US President Donald Trump hosted his first Ramadan Iftar dinner at the White House since beginning his second term, expressing gratitude to Muslim Americans for their electoral support in the 2024 presidential race.
Addressing attendees in the State Dining Room, Trump extended Ramadan greetings, saying, “As we are in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, let me begin by saying to our Muslim friends — Ramadan Mubarak.”
The event was attended by Muslim community leaders, diplomats—including Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed—and government officials. Trump acknowledged the Muslim community’s role in his re-election, stating, “The Muslim community was there for us in November,” and pledged reciprocity: “We’re going to be there for you.”
Trump reiterated his administration’s commitment to the Muslim community, highlighting efforts to build on the “historic Abraham Accords,”a series of normalization agreements between Israel and Arab nations brokered during his first term.
“We’re keeping our promises to the Muslim community,” he said. “My administration is engaged in relentless diplomacy to forge lasting peace in the Middle East.” However, he admitted progress had been slow, adding, “People are talking about it already. They should have had it long, long ago.”
The event took place against the backdrop of renewed violence in Gaza, where Israel has resumed military operations, breaking a brief ceasefire negotiated before Trump took office. While Trump had campaigned on ending the conflict, his administration has since pushed for increased military aid to Israel.
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His controversial suggestion to “take ownership”* of Gaza and displace its Palestinian population for redevelopment has drawn sharp criticism. Meanwhile, some Muslim voters turned against the Biden-Harris administration over its support for Israel’s war, contributing to Trump’s electoral gains.
Despite the ceasefire’s collapse, Trump maintained, “All we want is peace,”* though his policies remain a point of contention among Muslim leaders and activists.
*(With additional input from agencies)*
