Trump breaks White House tradition hosting Ramadan dinner

Trump breaks White House tradition  hosting Ramadan dinner



President Donald Trump broke a long standing White House tradition of hosting a dinner to celebrate the end of Ramadan.

Hosting an Iftar dinner to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of fasting is a tradition that started in the Clinton years and was continued by Presidents Bush and Obama.

Over the past two decades presidents have honored the holy day by hosting such a dinner.

Thomas Jefferson was the first president noted in history to host Itfar in 1805 with an invitation to the dinner stating 'Dinner will be on the table precisely at sun-set – ' the invitation read. 'The favour of an answer is asked.'



Last year, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump told ABC News' Jonathan Karl in an interview that he would be open to continuing that tradition

'It wouldn't bother me. It wouldn't bother me,' Trump said. 'It's not something I've given a lot of thought to but it wouldn't bother me.'



The president and first lady issued a statement Saturday, recognizing the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

'On behalf of the American people, Melania and I send our warm greetings to Muslims as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr,' the statement from President Trump reads.



'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.'

Neither the president nor members of his family who are Jewish attended the White House Passover Seder in April.

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump instead attended Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin's third wedding, this one to actress Louise Linton.