During the first-ever Ramadan Iftar dinner at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his gratitude to the “hundreds of thousands” of Muslim Americans who supported him in the 2024 presidential election. The event, held in the State Dining Room, welcomed Muslim community leaders, diplomats, and government officials, including Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Rizwan Saeed.
Trump began the evening by offering his Ramadan greetings to Muslim Americans, saying, “Ramadan Mubarak,” and highlighting the significance of the Islamic holy month. He went on to thank the Muslim community for their support during last November’s election, emphasizing that his administration is committed to returning that support.
“We’re keeping our promises to the Muslim community,” Trump said. He also referenced his administration’s diplomatic efforts, particularly the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations. “People are talking about it already. It should have been done long ago. All we want is peace,” he added.
The Abraham Accords, signed during Trump’s previous presidency, were hailed as a breakthrough in Middle East peace, though their implementation has faced challenges. Trump expressed optimism that the agreements would soon be expanded.
The event also took place amid political tensions surrounding U.S. foreign policy, with many in the Muslim community expressing disapproval of the Biden administration’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Some voters, particularly within the Muslim American community, have voiced support for Trump due to his actions related to the conflict, including his role in a ceasefire agreement prior to his presidency. However, Trump’s recent statements have sparked controversy, particularly his unwavering support for Israel and his controversial proposal for Gaza’s future, which has been widely criticized.