Groups to hold counterpoint

Groups to hold counterpoint to Trump's Ramadan dinner

By EMILY GOLDBERG

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 sun-down meal last year, a tradition that Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama all took part in. The president last weekend, however, announced the White House would host an iftar on Wednesday.

Trump has had 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.

CAIR has reported on an “unprecedented rise in bigotry targets American Muslims and members of other minority groups“ since Trump took office, and has expressed concern about policies and appointments that adversely affect the Muslim community.