Trump just ended a long tradition of celebrating Ramadan at the White House
Source: MSN/Washington Post
For the first time in nearly two decades, Ramadan has come and gone without the White House recognizing it with an iftar or Eid celebration, as had taken place each year under the Clinton, Bush and Obama administrations. In recent weeks, several former White House staff members told The Post they would usually begin planning an iftar “months in advance” and didn’t anticipate the Trump White House could pull something off before the end of Ramadan.
White House officials did not respond to repeated requests for comment. Late Saturday afternoon, the White House released a short statement from President Trump and the first lady recognizing the holiday.
“Muslims in the United States joined those around the world during the holy month of Ramadan to focus on acts of faith and charity,” the statement read. “Now, as they commemorate Eid with family and friends, they carry on the tradition of helping neighbors and breaking bread with people from all walks of life. 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 honor these values. Eid Mubarak.”
In late May, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reportedly said the State Department would break with recent tradition and not host a Ramadan reception, as it had done nearly annually for two decades. On Saturday morning, Tillerson also released a brief statement sending “best wishes to all Muslims celebrating Eid al-Fitr.”
Read more: http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-just-ended-a-long-tradition-of-celebrating-ramadan-at-the-white-house/ar-BBCOn4J?li=BBnb7Kz
Yeah, the Trump administration's actions are not motivated by religious animus...
= new reply since forum marked as read
. . just imagine what the White House household staff must witness every day. The household staff is famously respectful and discreet, but boy must there be stories.
My heart also goes out to them.
It must be even worse to work there now that the Orange One has appointed one of his Trump Hotel personnel to be Head Usher.
keep your religion away from our government, and we'll keep our government from interfering with your religion (up to a point). The religious have become too involved with our government, and for no other reason than their quest for power. Of course that's all religion is about anyway; control, and power (with a shit-load of money thrown in as well). They want the power to influence policy, and that's totally out of line, as far as I'm concerned. 
