US President Donald Trump has broken a 20-year tradition of hosting an iftar dinner during Ramadan.
The first ever instance of a White House iftar dinner dates back to President Thomas Jefferson in 1805. In February 1996, First Lady Hillary Clinton decided to bring the dinner back and hosted around 150 people.
Since then, it became a tradition. The last three administrations have observed it, however, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump decided to instead attend Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin's third wedding.
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Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin. Credit: PA Images
The White House did release a statement to mark the end of Ramadan but it was not posted to any of President Trump's social media channels.
It read: "Muslims in the United States joined those around the world during the holy month of Ramadan to focus on acts of faith and charity.
"Now, as they commemorate Eid with family and friends, they carry on the tradition of helping neighbours and breaking bread with people from all walks of life.
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"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 honour these values. Eid Mubarak."
Credit: PA Images
When President Trump was campaigning for his election, he told ABC News that he would probably continue the tradition, saying: "It wouldn't bother me. It wouldn't bother me.
"It's not something I've given a lot of thought to but it wouldn't bother me."
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Speaking to Newsweek, Imam Talib Shareef, president of the Nation's Mosque in Washington, D.C, said that President Trump's decision was 'disappointing'.
He said: "To stop it doesn't send a good message.
"You get the chance to go golfing and all this other kind of stuff. How come you don't have time for a population of your society that needs some assistance?"
Former president Barack Obama released a statement during his term which was significantly longer than that of his successor. It began: "Upon the arrival of a new crescent moon, Michelle and I send our warmest greetings to all those celebrating Eid al-Fitr in the United States and around the globe.
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"For Muslim Americans, Eid is an opportunity to reflect on the 30 days spent fasting and to recommit to values of gratitude, compassion, and generosity. In neighborhoods and homes across the world, this special occasion begins in the early hours of the day when families dress in their finest attire in preparation for prayers and festivities.
"Homes are decorated with ornaments and lanterns. Gifts are wrapped and envelopes of money are prepared for kids. Above all, Eid is a time to gather and celebrate with loved ones."
He continued: "Muslim Americans are as diverse as our nation itself - black, white, Latino, Asian, and Arab. Eid celebrations around the country remind us of our proud history as a nation built by people of all backgrounds; our history of religious freedom and civil liberties, and our history of innovation and strength.
"These legacies would not be possible without the contributions of Muslim Americans that make our country even stronger."
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Sources: ABC News, Newsweek and Obamawhitehouse.archives
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: America, Donald Trump, US