White House Tradition: 5 Fast Facts Why Trump Ended Ramadan Dier

It is without a doubt that the current U.S. President Donald Trump said during his campaign last year that the spread of Islam is a threat to the United States. He has put forth an executive order which restricts citizens of five core Islamic countries from entering the U.S. and now the 20 years long-standing aual White House Tradition of hosting Muslim Iftar dier for Ramadan Celebrations.

1. How Did The White House Tradition for Ramadan Began?

After the first iftar dier was held in 1805 by the then U.S. President Thomas Jefferson, the White House started yearly ritual to mark the Ramadan Eid celebration in 1996 under the Former First Lady of the United States Hillary Clinton.

The iftar dier occurs at sunset at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islam lunar calendar and a time of prayer, reflection and fasting.

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On February 20, 1996, First Lady Hillary Clinton welcomed Muslims in a reception dier at the Old Executive Office Building. Clinton described it as a historic event, saying that:

Eid Mubarak. I want to welcome you all to the White House as you and Muslims all over the world celebrate the end of Ramadan. I am honored so many of you could take the time to share part of this holy month with us. This is a historic occasion–the first Eid Celebration ever at the White House. It is only fitting that, just as children and families of other faiths come here to celebrate some of their holy days, so you, too, are all here to mark this important Islamic tradition.

President Bill Clinton continued the tradition as did his successor President George W. Bush who hosted an iftar dier at the White House in 2001. He subsequently continued the diers every year of his two terms. President Barack Obama hosted his first Ramadan dier in 2009, and subsequently every year of his Presidency.

White House officials reportedly spend months plaing the event, which has been held every year under the Clinton, Bush and Obama administrations, but 2017 took a different path.

2. During His Campaign, Trump’s Statement was Clear On That

During his campaign last year, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump told the press in an interview that he would be open to continuing the tradition of hosting an Iftar dier if he were in the White House.

“It wouldn’t bother me. It wouldn’t bother me,” Trump said last June. “It’s not something I’ve given a lot of thought to but it wouldn’t bother me.”

3. Trump Issues Statement On 2017 Eid Celebration

The president and first lady issued a press statement Saturday afternoon recognizing the Eid al-Fitr holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.

“On behalf of the American people, Melania and I send our warm greetings to Muslims as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr,” the statement 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.”

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4. U.S. Sec. of State’s Statement on White House Tradition

Earlier this year Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reportedly said the government would not carry on with the White House Tradition of hosting the Ramadan dier. He also issued a statement on Saturday, which read,

“This holiday marks the culmination of Ramadan, a month in which many experience meaning and inspiration in acts of fasting, prayer, and charity.

“This day offers an opportunity to reflect on our shared commitment to building peaceful and prosperous communities. Eid Mubarak.”

Previously, the White House did host a Passover Seder in the month of April, but neither the president nor members of his family who are Jewish attended.

Trump’s administration earlier baed immigration of citizens from about five core Muslim Countries which include: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

5. New Yorkers Protest in front of Trump Tower

Jewish demonstrators created a protective barrier around Muslims during their Ramadan protest outside Trump Tower in New York

More than 100 Muslims gathered outside the president’s Manhattan home and business headquarters in a peaceful protest against Trump’s immigration policies, divisive rhetoric and negative bias against Islam.

‘Everyday American Muslims are confronted with bigotry and hate while commuting to work and school, applying for jobs, practicing their faith and simply living their lives,’ Anu Joshi, deputy director of the New York State Immigrant Action Fund told the press.