Donald Trump hosts Iftar dinner; a look at iconic White House Iftars over the years

President Donald Trump hosted an iftar dinner at the White House, recognizing the holy month of Ramadan and expressing gratitude to the Muslim American community for their support in the 2024 election.
“Ramzan Mubarak to my Muslim friends,” Trump said in his opening remarks. “Ramzan is a season of spiritual reflection, fasting, and devotion, and we recognize its deep significance.”

He also used the occasion to highlight his administration’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, particularly referencing the Abraham Accords. “We’re keeping our promises to the Muslim community. My administration is engaged in relentless diplomacy to forge lasting peace in the Middle East, building on the historic Abraham Accords,” he said.
While the White House iftar is widely regarded as a modern tradition, its origins trace back over two centuries. In 1805, President Thomas Jefferson hosted a sunset dinner for Sidi Soliman Mellimelli, the Muslim ambassador from Tunisia, during Ramadan. Though not intended as an official iftar, this gesture of accommodation is considered the first known instance of a U.S. president hosting a Ramadan meal.
This forgotten piece of history was brought to attention by then President Barack Obama during one of the official iftar parties. He said, “Ramadan is a reminder that Islam has always been part of America. The first Muslim ambassador to the United States from Tunisia was hosted by President Jefferson who arranged a sunset dinner for his guest because it was Ramadan, making it the first known iftar in the White House more than 200 years ago.”

Over time, the tradition evolved into a significant diplomatic and cultural event. Bill Clinton started the tradition of hosting an official iftar party at the White House in 1996. The arrangements were made under the guidance of former First Lady Clinton wherein she hosted about 150 people for a reception for Eid al-Fit.
George W Bush continued the practice even after 9/11 attacks emphasizing the importance of engagement with Muslim Americans and global Muslim leaders. James Norton, a former deputy assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security under Bush, said: “From President Bush’s perspective, it was important post-9/11 for the administration and to show the White House and the US is inclusive of all people and religions, especially after such a traumatic event. We were not at war with Islam itself but with terrorist organisations."
It has become an annual event now with Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama all hosting iftars throughout their terms.

In 2017, Trump broke the two-decade tradition by not hosting an iftar during his first year in office and faced much criticism from the world. However, in 2018, he reinstated the White House iftar, hosting one on June 6, followed by another on May 13, 2019. President Joe Biden continued the tradition, celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr with an iftar in 2022.