Trump's Message Ahead of Ramadan: Malevolent Attacks Strengthen Our Resolve to Defeat Terrorists

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has sent a message congratulating Muslims on the arrival of Ramadan, describing the terrorist attacks in Britain and Egypt as 'malevolent' and in 'direct contradiction' to the spirit of Ramadan. In the message published on the virtual U.S. embassy website in Iran, Trump emphasized that these acts 'strengthen our resolve to defeat terrorists and their misguided ideology.' He also referred to his recent trip to Saudi Arabia and his meeting with leaders from over fifty Muslim countries to combat terrorism, stating: 'Let us be determined to spare no effort to ensure that future generations will be free from this scourge and able to worship and gather in peace.' Trump's message comes as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has declined to host an iftar event for Ramadan. According to Reuters, Tillerson rejected a request from the Office of Religion and Global Affairs, which usually organizes such events. A spokesperson for the State Department told Reuters that 'we are still exploring potential options for holding Eid al-Fitr celebrations at the end of Ramadan. We also encourage U.S. ambassadors to hold Ramadan events through various activities that take place annually at U.S. embassies around the world.' Muslim activists have previously pointed out Trump's efforts to limit travel for citizens from several Muslim countries, including Iran, accusing his administration of having an unfriendly stance towards Islam. However, the U.S. government has emphasized its opposition to extremist Islamist militants, asserting that it has no opposition to Islam itself. Since 1999, U.S. Secretaries of State, whether Republican or Democrat, have either hosted iftar dinners during Ramadan or Eid al-Fitr celebrations at the State Department. Members of Congress, leaders of the Muslim civil society, diplomats from Muslim countries, and senior U.S. officials typically attend the iftar or Eid al-Fitr celebrations held at the U.S. State Department, which symbolize Washington's diplomatic efforts with Muslim peoples and countries.