A man helps prepare bowls of snacks while celebrating Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of fasting during the monthlong Ramadan. | Frederic J. Brown/Getty Images Groups to hold counterpoint to Trump's Ramadan dinner

The Council on American-Islamic Relations is partnering with several civil rights organizations to host a “NOT Trump’s Iftar” fast-breaking meal outside the White House on Wednesday, a response to the president hosting a dinner recognizing the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The White House faced criticism for neglecting to host a traditional sundown meal last year, a tradition that Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama all took part in. The president announced last weekend, however, that the White House would host an iftar on Wednesday.


Trump has had a tense relationship with Muslims throughout his candidacy and presidency. During his campaign, he called for a "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what the hell is going on," although he has faced judicial challenges to the travel ban he enacted in January 2017. Most recently, Supreme Court justices appeared split on the issue.

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CAIR has reported “an unprecedented spike in bigotry targeting American Muslims and members of other minority groups” since Trump’s election, and has expressed concern about policies and appointments that adversely affect the Muslim community.

