Trump Administration First in 18 Years: SecState Says “No” to Ramadan Event

The Trump administration became the first to refuse to host an event in honor of the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan when Secretary of State Rex Tillerson turned down a bi-partisan request to host a Ramadan dinner. It will be the first time since 1999 that the event will not be held. The request came from the State Department’s Office of Religion and Global Affairs according to the Reuters news agency. A State Department spokesman said the idea of a dinner celebrating the feast of Eid-a-Fitr, at the end of Ramadan, is being considered and that diplomats around the world are free to host events for Ramadan and Eid-a-Fitr at consulates and embassies. The rejection of the event is being denounced by Islamic groups but the administration is pointing to President Trump’s recently completed trip as “proof” of his respect for the Muslim world and its traditions.