President Donald Trump hosted a Ramadan iftar dinner at the White House on Thursday evening, expressing gratitude to Muslims in Michigan for their support and commending two metro Detroit mayors.
Tonight, we gather with gratitude for God’s many blessings, celebrating a tradition embodying the beautiful spirit of all three Abrahamic faiths, that inspires us to seek happiness at home and peace worldwide, says Donald Trump at the White House Iftar Dinner pic.twitter.com/BGEcAg4R49
— The Thursday Times (@thursday_times) March 28, 2025
Reflecting on his campaign visits to Michigan last year, Trump described his interactions with the Muslim community as “a very inspirational period of time for me.” He assured attendees of his commitment to supporting them during his presidency, emphasizing his appreciation for the Muslim community. His remarks marked a notable shift from his 2016 campaign rhetoric, when he once stated, “I think Islam hates us.”
Read more: India approves biggest-ever defense deal
Among the guests at the dinner were Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib and Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi, both of whom endorsed Trump last year and were later appointed as U.S. ambassadors to Kuwait and Tunisia, respectively. Other attendees included evangelical leader and Trump adviser Paula White, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and several members of the Muslim community.
“The Muslim community was there for us in November, and while I’m president, I will be there for you,” Trump stated during the event, which was broadcast on Facebook and X. “I’m going to be there for you. And I think you know that, and our two great mayors (Ghalib and Bazzi) understand that.”
Iftar is the meal Muslims share in the evenings during the holy month of Ramadan to break their fast after sunset. Hosting iftar dinners at the White House has been a tradition among past presidents.
Read more: Death toll from earthquake in Myanmar surpasses 1,000 (VIDEOS)
Trump warmly addressed the Muslim guests, saying, “Let me begin by saying to our Muslim friends, of which I have many tonight, and I think we have many all over the world based on the results in Michigan, other places.” He referenced his victory in Michigan last November, a state with the highest percentage of Arab Americans, many of whom are Muslim. “I just want to say hello to all of the people that supported us so strongly.”
He also highlighted his alignment with the Muslim community on transgender issues, pointing to recent conservative opposition in cities like Dearborn and Hamtramck against LGBTQ+ books and symbols in schools.
“We’re stopping schools from indoctrinating children with transgender ideology, something which people in this room are not happy about,” Trump stated at the dinner. “I know that for a fact, and it’s a shame what’s happened, but we’re turning it around and turning it around at levels that nobody can even believe. I signed an order — and I think very importantly, also in particular for people in this room — we’re keeping men out of women’s sports.”