Watch: Trump hosts Iftar dinner at White House, thanks Muslims for support

“Ramadan is a season of spiritual reflection and self-restraint,” Trump continued. “Every day during the sacred month, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, deepening their focus on prayer and devotion to God. Then, Muslims all over the world join families and friends each night, give thanks to the Almighty, and break their fast with iftar dinner. We are all looking for peace for the entire world.”

‘A very special thanks’

Addressing the gathering, Trump thanked Muslim Americans for what he called their “record numbers” of support in the last election.

“I want to extend a very special thanks to the hundreds of thousands of Muslim Americans who supported us in record numbers in the 2024 presidential election. It was incredible. We started a little slow with you, but we came along,” he said. “The Muslim community was there for us in November, and while I’m president, I will be there for you.”

Commitment to Middle East diplomacy

During his speech at the dinner, Trump also reaffirmed his administration’s diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.

“We’re keeping our promises to the Muslim community. My administration is engaged in relentless diplomacy to forge lasting peace in the Middle East, building on the historic Abraham Accords, which everybody said would be impossible. And now we’re going to start filling them out,” he said.

The Abraham Accords, first signed in 2020, established diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

As the event concluded, guests joined in breaking their fast, marking the White House’s annual recognition of Ramadan.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the holiest periods for Muslims. It commemorates the divine revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad. Fasting (roza) from pre-dawn to sunset is observed as an act of worship, self-discipline, and spiritual growth. The daily fast is broken at sunset with iftar.